Phoenix Suns expect to part ways with Kevin Durant this offseason. Could the Spurs be a good landing place?

[sfernald]

but trading for your franchise player is?

If you are talking about Okc, I would say that was pretty organic in that situation. They were in the process of tearing it down and managed to scoop up a promising young player after his rookie season. And then 90% of that team is through draft. Nothing wrong with grabbing a role playing vet or two when you think you are just a piece away like Caruso for example. That’s a lot different than committing 35% of your cap and a bunch of your young talent and draft capital to a “must win now to make it worth it” player like Durant when you haven’t even made the playoffs yet.

[kxs783kms]

OKC = Best player acquired by trade

Wolves = second best player acquired by trade

Pacers = two best players acquired by trade

Knicks = 4 best players acquired by trade

But spurstalk posters want to hang on to the power of friendship so they can go for what a 6th straight losing season :rollin

Bingo!🎯🎯 lol

[objective]

Bane trade isn't as expensive as people think given the context

Think of one of those picks as the cost for eating the deal of KCP. Maybe 2 of them, because if they had tried to dump his 2 years and $43 million that's what Brooklyn would have charged for the dump.

KCP turned out to be washed,, thoroughly washed. Regular season was his lowest points average since his rookie year. 8.7 points. He does nothing else in the court, 2 points and 2 rebounds. He's headed into his year 32 season and the defense isn't what it used to be. And he's lost his shot, only hitting 34.2% from 3 in the regular season, and he was coming off of averaging over 40% over the previous 5 seasons.

And the playoffs was where he really stunk it up.

32 mpg, 5 pts, 3 rb, 2 ast, shooting 26.1% from 3 and 26.7% overall.

That dude is donezo.

Unlike the multi year players the Spurs could send out, Vassell and Johnson, those guys are well under 30 and not collapsing into nothingness like KCP

[sfernald]

^^^ true

[ace3g]

https://x.com/JakeLFischer/status/1934331568291459362

[Mr. Body]

Bane trade isn't as expensive as people think given the context

Think of one of those picks as the cost for eating the deal of KCP. Maybe 2 of them, because if they had tried to dump his 2 years and $43 million that's what Brooklyn would have charged for the dump.

KCP turned out to be washed,, thoroughly washed. Regular season was his lowest points average since his rookie year. 8.7 points. He does nothing else in the court, 2 points and 2 rebounds. He's headed into his year 32 season and the defense isn't what it used to be. And he's lost his shot, only hitting 34.2% from 3 in the regular season, and he was coming off of averaging over 40% over the previous 5 seasons.

And the playoffs was where he really stunk it up.

32 mpg, 5 pts, 3 rb, 2 ast, shooting 26.1% from 3 and 26.7% overall.

That dude is donezo.

Unlike the multi year players the Spurs could send out, Vassell and Johnson, those guys are well under 30 and not collapsing into nothingness like KCP

Great point.

I don't even think the picks are that bad. The PHX pick is a swap of a swap. That could be pretty good, but I think Phoenix will be mediocre for a while, not terrible. Late lottery maybe. The Orlando picks and swaps are from a team that may be top half of the EC throughout that duration. So, late teens into the twenties.

Those picks are worth something, but they aren't the juiciness that it first appears.

[RC_Drunkford]

If you are talking about Okc, I would say that was pretty organic in that situation. They were in the process of tearing it down and managed to scoop up a promising young player after his rookie season. And then 90% of that team is through draft. Nothing wrong with grabbing a role playing vet or two when you think you are just a piece away like Caruso for example. That’s a lot different than committing 35% of your cap and a bunch of your young talent and draft capital to a “must win now to make it worth it” player like Durant when you haven’t even made the playoffs yet.

true, but Spurs foundation would also be drafted: Wemby, Castle, Harper and whoever else is staying from the friendship crew

KD and Fox are here to bridge the gap, so we can start contending early.


Bane trade isn't as expensive as people think given the context

Think of one of those picks as the cost for eating the deal of KCP. Maybe 2 of them, because if they had tried to dump his 2 years and $43 million that's what Brooklyn would have charged for the dump.

KCP turned out to be washed,, thoroughly washed. Regular season was his lowest points average since his rookie year. 8.7 points. He does nothing else in the court, 2 points and 2 rebounds. He's headed into his year 32 season and the defense isn't what it used to be. And he's lost his shot, only hitting 34.2% from 3 in the regular season, and he was coming off of averaging over 40% over the previous 5 seasons.

And the playoffs was where he really stunk it up.

32 mpg, 5 pts, 3 rb, 2 ast, shooting 26.1% from 3 and 26.7% overall.

That dude is donezo.

Unlike the multi year players the Spurs could send out, Vassell and Johnson, those guys are well under 30 and not collapsing into nothingness like KCP


3 picks for Bane

1 pick + 1 swap to offload KCP

still an overpay for today's market, where most teams are short on draft assets

[LeBowen]

OKC = Best player acquired by trade

Wolves = second best player acquired by trade

Pacers = two best players acquired by trade

Knicks = 4 best players acquired by trade

But spurstalk posters want to hang on to the power of friendship so they can go for what a 6th straight losing season :rollin

Yeah, let's corner ourselves into cap hell like the Knicks and Timberwolves without being good enough to win championships.
The only reason they made conference finals is that everyone else was either shit or got injured.

[ace3g]

https://x.com/CollinReidPS/status/1934333061757321419

[Leetonidas]

Just trade this fucking guy already dammit :lol

[SupremeGuy]

The 14, Vassell, and a bunch of 2RPs tbh.

Take it or leave it.

He'd be a one year rental, right?

[benefactor]

The 14, Vassell, and a bunch of 2RPs tbh.

Take it or leave it.

He'd be a one year rental, right?
He would extend tbh

[AFBlue]

I'm assuming the initial trade offers and maybe a "final" counter were provided days ago. All of this is just positioning in the media for each side, including Durant. As with any deal, the first to speak loses. Good on the Spurs for moving in silence.

[CGD]

We probably don’t keep Vassell if Durant comes, so Champagnie will be in the 5

That's what I mean by the price. Is it wise to decapitalize the picks stores? If its a player focused trade, whats the plan from replacing the bench production? Is getting 2 years of KD worth it with what roster remains? etc. etc. etc.

[Rocalcio]

damn, this would be a weird coincidence :lolHe's probably posting the wrong location on purpose

[Rocalcio]

damn, this would be a weird coincidence :lol

He's probably posting the wrong location on purpose

I can totally see him doing that, so funny !

[Uriel]

https://x.com/JakeLFischer/status/1934331568291459362
Care to share what’s behind that paywall?

[ace3g]

Care to share what’s behind that paywall?


https://x.com/CollinReidPS/status/1934333061757321419

[thOOdee]

Heard an interview of durant’s in depth understanding of what teams would have to sacrifice to acquire him. And after his okc, nets, and suns attempts, I’m sure he fully understands the player landscape of what is needed to win, and optically look good by pulling out a ring. Houston would look solid on the resume, but i think is the more uphill battle. As some have said high floor, low ceiling. The spurs i think have the perfect sauce. This is telling durant may think so too.

[sfernald]

Care to share what’s behind that paywall?

Theres actually a good amount of stuff in there so I signed up for one month for $10 (for draft and free agent coverage)

Here is a ChatGPT summary (the article had many more details thet make it interesting tho)

Certainly! Here’s a detailed but clear summary of the main points in the article, capturing all the key NBA developments, rumors, and context:








1.
Major Trade: Magic Acquire Desmond Bane






Orlando Magic made a blockbuster trade on Father’s Day, acquiring Desmond Bane from the Memphis Grizzlies.
Orlando gave up four unprotected first-round picks, a first-round pick swap, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Cole Anthony.
This is a dramatic move for the usually-conservative Magic.


Part of the motivation was to shed Caldwell-Pope’s contract (he signed for $66 million last summer but struggled).
The Magic needed to clear salary space to fit Bane’s $40M/year contract alongside Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs, and Paolo Banchero (who will soon be due a big extension).














2.
Kevin Durant Trade Watch






Momentum is building around a potential Kevin Durant trade from Phoenix.
Durant’s list of preferred destinations includes three teams: San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets, and Miami Heat.


The Knicks were nearly on the list but opted out of pursuing Durant.



Phoenix Suns aren’t guaranteeing Durant will go to a team on his list; they’ll take the best overall offer.


Reminder: Phoenix paid a huge price to get Durant (Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Jae Crowder, four unprotected firsts, and a swap).



Other teams possibly interested: Minnesota, LA Clippers, Toronto, and mystery suitors.
The Suns are open to trading Durant to a team even if he doesn’t commit long-term—he has only one season left at $54.7M.











3.
Durant and Houston Rockets






Although Houston has long been seen as an odd fit due to their young core and Durant’s age (he turns 37 in September), Phoenix is interested in dealing with Houston.


Phoenix wants to regain control of at least one of the picks it sent Houston (Houston controls the Suns’ top picks in 2025, 2027, 2029).
The Rockets, however, are reluctant to help Phoenix get their picks back.
Jabari Smith Jr.’s name is surfacing as someone Phoenix wants.














4.
Orlando’s Risky Gamble






Many see Orlando’s Bane trade as an overpay, but it helped offload Caldwell-Pope’s salary and enabled the Magic to land a high-impact player.
Orlando is shifting away from its conservative approach, loading up on talent around Banchero, Wagner, and Suggs.











5.
Memphis Grizzlies Coaching Search






Memphis is looking for a top assistant coach to pair with new head coach Tuomas Iisalo.


Candidates include former Bucks coach Adrian Griffin, Mavericks assistant Jared Dudley, and Magic assistant Dale Osbourne.



The big Bane trade raises questions about Memphis’s direction: Are they still building around Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., or considering a retool/rebuild?


Jackson’s contract extension is still considered a top priority.














6.
Coaching Carousel: Assistant Coaches in Demand






Jared Dudley (Mavericks assistant) is a top target for both Memphis (to connect with Morant) and Cleveland (Coach Kenny Atkinson is interested).
Sean Sweeney (top Mavericks aide) is being pursued by San Antonio for Mitch Johnson’s staff.


Corliss Williamson (from Minnesota) is also joining the Spurs.



God Shammgod (Mavericks player development) is of interest to Orlando, where coach Jamahl Mosley has worked with him before. Shammgod has played a big role in helping Kyrie Irving settle in Dallas.











7.
Other Notes






Jason Kidd (Mavericks head coach) was reportedly the Knicks’ top choice to succeed Tom Thibodeau, but Dallas didn’t allow talks.
Multiple Mavericks assistants are in demand across the league.











In summary:






The NBA offseason is off to a dramatic start with blockbuster trades and active coaching searches.
Orlando made a bold move for Desmond Bane, while trade talks around Kevin Durant are intensifying.
Multiple assistant coaches are being courted by other teams, highlighting a league in motion both on the court and behind the scenes.





Let me know if you’d like more detail on any specific part or need a more concise bullet-point version!

[Mnky]

That's what I mean by the price. Is it wise to decapitalize the picks stores? If its a player focused trade, whats the plan from replacing the bench production? Is getting 2 years of KD worth it with what roster remains? etc. etc. etc.

Spurs are twos seasons away from the worse team in the NBA with largely the same players. The bench can be replaced and likely needs to be.

[cjw]

Spurs are twos seasons away from the worse team in the NBA with largely the same players. The bench can be replaced and likely needs to be.

When you have the draft capital the Spurs still do in coming years, a transcendent superstar, another all star, a guy who was just ROY, and the #2 pick in the coming draft who would be #1 some years…

You can afford to trade your depth to upgrade. Your bench matters less when you’ll get vets coming in to eat minutes who want to play with this core. The fact that the Spurs are on Durant’s list should tell you a lot about being able to fill spots 9-15 on the roster.

[rascal]

so? Y‘all said organically than define organically to me. Getting your #1 option via trade is not organic no matter how you slice it and last time I checked we‘re not trading for KD to make him the #1 option. The spurs have aquired 1/10 rotation players via trade. If they get KD it‘s 2/10.

Typical Spurs fan argument: „I‘d rather draft all my players and trust in the power of friendship“

There are different ways to build a championship team. You can acquire your core through Trades/ Free agency or through the draft or a combination of them.

The Spurs were lucky to get the 1, 4 and 2 picks in consecutive drafts so makes sense for them to build with those picks.

[poopbox]

Yeah, let's corner ourselves into cap hell like the Knicks and Timberwolves without being good enough to win championships.
The only reason they made conference finals is that everyone else was either shit or got injured.

Instead you have all this cap space, all these extra 1st round picks, and your not even good enough to make the play in game for going on 5 years :lol

Doesn't matter why you make it, it just matter that you make it.

"The only reason why he got a million dollars is cause he won the lottery", cries the person barely able to cover rent in their efficiency apartment :cry

[skin27]

Personally i dont like dunrant on the spurs. Simply because he will overshadow wemby on and wemby’s numbers will go down instead of going up. If im the spurs gm ill rather pick harper at number 2 and go on from there.

[tbdog]

Personally i dont like dunrant on the spurs. Simply because he will overshadow wemby on and wemby’s numbers will go down instead of going up. If im the spurs gm ill rather pick harper at number 2 and go on from there.

Spurs can have both. The other point is that Devin is the odd man out now as he isn't a good 3 but a much better 2. And the Spurs now have 3 guards that all will get playing time.

Sochan is kinda required as your big wing.

So if there is a deal for Devin to bring is a shooter and size, and use 14 for it to happen, then go for it. Durant is kinda like the best one available and he is still very very good.

[skin27]

Spurs can have both. The other point is that Devin is the odd man out now as he isn't a good 3 but a much better 2. And the Spurs now have 3 guards that all will get playing time.

Sochan is kinda required as your big wing.

So if there is a deal for Devin to bring is a shooter and size, and use 14 for it to happen, then go for it. Durant is kinda like the best one available and he is still very very good.


i dont have a problem on adding durant as long as wemby still the first option on offense.

[venitian navigator]

After the Bane trade imho the Durant price Is gonna SkyRocket... dont wanna be part of that... Vassell Johnson/Barnes plus some seconda Is the max I would like the Spurs tò offer...come on, there the plausible chance that in two years Just our Number 14 pick could be more valuable than a 40 years old KD...

[exstatic]

After the Bane trade imho the Durant price Is gonna SkyRocket... dont wanna be part of that... Vassell Johnson/Barnes plus some seconda Is the max I would like the Spurs tò offer...come on, there the plausible chance that in two years Just our Number 14 pick could be more valuable than a 40 years old KD...

It won’t. This whole thing is for fucking show anyway. Phoenix is interested in trading with multiple teams, but only one team is interested in acquiring Durant, as is, and thinks they can extend him.

[SpursGenius]

The 14, Vassell, and a bunch of 2RPs tbh.

Take it or leave it.

He'd be a one year rental, right?

I would rather give 2026 protected top 12. assuming its not attached to a swap. It will be below 14 in a weaker draft. I would keep 14.

[SupremeGuy]

I would rather give 2026 protected top 12. assuming its not attached to a swap. It will be below 14 in a weaker draft. I would keep 14.Sup KD?

Spurs will throw in a #2 whataburger double cheese w/onion rings.

Ball out and prove me wrong.

[Robz4000]

After the Bane trade imho the Durant price Is gonna SkyRocket... dont wanna be part of that... Vassell Johnson/Barnes plus some seconda Is the max I would like the Spurs tò offer...come on, there the plausible chance that in two years Just our Number 14 pick could be more valuable than a 40 years old KD...

If anything Vassell's value has gone up tbh.

[tbdog]

The Bane deal isn't a huge overpay that people are up in arms about.

Bane is under contract for four more years.
His skill set is exactly what the Magic need around Wagner and Palo.
They got off KCP money who might even get worse.
The east is wide open. They are likely top 3 seed next season. Maybe even top 2.

[goliath]

I find it funny that anyone thinks KDs price has gone up. Like Houston or the Spurs are going to look at the Bane deal and say ok we will throw in 4 more 1sts.

[tbdog]

TBH, if the Grizzlies are going to pivot even more and trade JJ, I think Rockets will go all in. Like they will give up Green and the suns picks for JJ. Grizzlies have a soft reset with all those picks. That's a deadly team that the Rockets would get.

Just saying, Rockets might pivot to JJ if there is any traction there.

Edit* Forgot to include Smith going out as well.

[Robz4000]

TBH, if the Grizzlies are going to pivot even more and trade JJ, I think Rockets will go all in. Like they will give up Green and the suns picks for JJ. Grizzlies have a soft reset with all those picks. That's a deadly team that the Rockets would get.

Just saying, Rockets might pivot to JJ if there is any traction there.

Edit* Forgot to include Smith going out as well.

Zero chance the Rockets trade the Suns' picks for JJJ tbh. As good as JJJ is they already have a (shittier) version in Jabari Smith Jr that won't cost the max.

[dn0774]

Zero chance the Rockets trade the Suns' picks for JJJ tbh. As good as JJJ is they already have a (shittier) version in Jabari Smith Jr that won't cost the max.

Maybe they make a play for Ja? Or they feel they already have Ja at home (JGreen)?

[Robz4000]

Maybe they make a play for Ja? Or they feel they already have Ja at home (JGreen)?

They have Amen who is younger, has a higher ceiling, and none of the off-the-court issues tbh. Rockets are gonna hold the Suns hostage for Booker or trade for Giannis.

[Mnky]

When you have the draft capital the Spurs still do in coming years, a transcendent superstar, another all star, a guy who was just ROY, and the #2 pick in the coming draft who would be #1 some years…

You can afford to trade your depth to upgrade. Your bench matters less when you’ll get vets coming in to eat minutes who want to play with this core. The fact that the Spurs are on Durant’s list should tell you a lot about being able to fill spots 9-15 on the roster.

Exactly.

Once you have the starting 5 down, then you can focus on a bench. Bench don't mean anything if the starting 5 aren't competitive.

Not to mention it's way easier to draft for roles than it is for your next franchise SG or PF. Once you get that starting 5, everything else falls in place especially with the Spurs assets coming the next few years. Got tons of 2nd rounders to try to fill the bench with drafting or trading for role players.

[tbdog]

IDK, JJ with Sengun, Amen, FVV, Brooks is a nasty team. They will rely on Witmore and Shepherd to progress. But still, JJ is kinda perfect around Sengun and Amen.

[poopbox]

Zero chance the Rockets trade the Suns' picks for JJJ tbh. As good as JJJ is they already have a (shittier) version in Jabari Smith Jr that won't cost the max.

Real basketball teams worry about getting better and not who cost a max and who doesn't. It's why the Rockets went from worst than the Spurs to the 2 seed while the Spurs went from the bottom of the west to...the bottom of the west.

If they can get JJJ for something semi reasonable and it cost them Jabari they will do that trade in a second. Highly unlikely Jabari is ever as good as JJJ is right now.

[Mnky]

i dont have a problem on adding durant as long as wemby still the first option on offense.

Not having that burden helps him develop offensively( he currently gets triple and quadruple teamed). When he doesn't have reliable players to make off ball plays, he resorts to learning bad habits and forcing issues.


Having help offensively also allows him to focus on his strength which is being the best defensive player on the planet. No matter how you shake it, the more offense you get from Wemby, the less defense you get. For a guy his size and the history of that, his career is benefited from not being burdened so much on both ends. He's still just a kid. If they keep him healthy, believe me, he will have a decade of being the No.1 option. It'll only help him.

[LeBowen]

Instead you have all this cap space, all these extra 1st round picks, and your not even good enough to make the play in game for going on 5 years :lol

Doesn't matter why you make it, it just matter that you make it.



Yeah, let's just act like we were in lottery this season because of Wright's incompetence and not because Wemby suffered a potential career ending medical issue.
It's not like we traded for an all-star during the season, we were planning to tank right away.


Doesn't matter why you make it, it just matter that you make it.

If players without previous medical issues suffer season ending injuries, then yes, it does fucking matter.


"The only reason why he got a million dollars is cause he won the lottery", cries the person barely able to cover rent in their efficiency apartment :cry

Great job retard, you made an analogy that makes no sense whatsoever and then you resorted to personal insults that are even more pathetic.
Imagine not owning your place, tbh.

I just love you people who go all in on the aggression and insults for no fucking reason only to get embarrassed. :lol

[sfernald]

What the hell? We upped our price? Seems like we are close to a deal.

As per Sports Illustrated's Shadab Khan (https://x.com/ShadabKhanNBA/status/1933982599086555387), the Spurs presented a counteroffer to the Suns for Durant. The trade package featured Devin Vassell (https://fadeawayworld.net/tag/devin-vassell), Harrison Barnes (https://fadeawayworld.net/tag/harrison-barnes), the No. 14 pick, and second-round draft capital.
While this aligns with an expected trade proposal (https://sports.yahoo.com/article/spurs-potential-trade-package-kevin-124906628.html), it appears that the Suns are not interested in such a deal, demanding Stephon Castle (https://fadeawayworld.net/tag/stephon-castle) or Jeremy Sochan (https://fadeawayworld.net/tag/jeremy-sochan) instead.
The Spurs' counteroffer was in response to the Suns' initial demand for Vassell, Sochan, Barnes, the No. 14 pick, along with two first-rounders. Needless to say, the Spurs had to reject this.



https://sports.yahoo.com/article/suns-reject-spurs-counteroffer-kevin-082856479.html

[CGD]

What the hell? We upped our price? Seems like we are close to a deal.

As per Sports Illustrated's Shadab Khan (https://x.com/ShadabKhanNBA/status/1933982599086555387), the Spurs presented a counteroffer to the Suns for Durant. The trade package featured Devin Vassell (https://fadeawayworld.net/tag/devin-vassell), Harrison Barnes (https://fadeawayworld.net/tag/harrison-barnes), the No. 14 pick, and second-round draft capital.
While this aligns with an expected trade proposal (https://sports.yahoo.com/article/spurs-potential-trade-package-kevin-124906628.html), it appears that the Suns are not interested in such a deal, demanding Stephon Castle (https://fadeawayworld.net/tag/stephon-castle) or Jeremy Sochan (https://fadeawayworld.net/tag/jeremy-sochan) instead.
The Spurs' counteroffer was in response to the Suns' initial demand for Vassell, Sochan, Barnes, the No. 14 pick, along with two first-rounders. Needless to say, the Spurs had to reject this.



https://sports.yahoo.com/article/suns-reject-spurs-counteroffer-kevin-082856479.html

Tracks what we've been thinkng.

[LeBowen]

They can posture all they want, it's obvious Heat and Rockets are lowballing them even harder.
The clock is ticking and it's not on their side.

[Mr. Body]

What the hell? We upped our price? Seems like we are close to a deal.

As per Sports Illustrated's Shadab Khan (https://x.com/ShadabKhanNBA/status/1933982599086555387), the Spurs presented a counteroffer to the Suns for Durant. The trade package featured Devin Vassell (https://fadeawayworld.net/tag/devin-vassell), Harrison Barnes (https://fadeawayworld.net/tag/harrison-barnes), the No. 14 pick, and second-round draft capital.
While this aligns with an expected trade proposal (https://sports.yahoo.com/article/spurs-potential-trade-package-kevin-124906628.html), it appears that the Suns are not interested in such a deal, demanding Stephon Castle (https://fadeawayworld.net/tag/stephon-castle) or Jeremy Sochan (https://fadeawayworld.net/tag/jeremy-sochan) instead.
The Spurs' counteroffer was in response to the Suns' initial demand for Vassell, Sochan, Barnes, the No. 14 pick, along with two first-rounders. Needless to say, the Spurs had to reject this.



https://sports.yahoo.com/article/suns-reject-spurs-counteroffer-kevin-082856479.html

Feels like it was always some SRPs added to the deal. Phoenix is going to want more, but likely won't get it. They aren't seeing the offers they want. I'd almost just keep Durant at this point.

[sfernald]

They can posture all they want, it's obvious Heat and Rockets are lowballing them even harder.
The clock is ticking and it's not on their side.

Spurs should start “focusing” on another deal, maybe Cam Johnson or Marrkanen. There’s def more than one fish in the sea. Time to “close” the deal.

[Uriel]

If the Spurs and Suns do end up making a deal, they’d have to meet somewhere in the middle. What would be the middle ground behind those two proposals? Vassell, Sochan, Barnes, and the 14th pick? Vassell, Barnes, the 14th pick, and two first rounders?

Would either of those two deals be worth it?

[LeBowen]

If the Spurs and Suns do end up making a deal, they’d have to meet somewhere in the middle. What would be the middle ground behind those two proposals? Vassell, Sochan, Barnes, and the 14th pick? Vassell, Barnes, the 14th pick, and two first rounders?

Would either of those two deals be worth it?

I don't think Brian Wright does middle grounds.
He determines the value he's willing to give up for a player and doesn't go above that, for better or worse.
Since Suns don't have any SRPs for many years after 2026, Spurs would probably add a handful to the original offer, but that's it.

[mo7888]

If the Spurs and Suns do end up making a deal, they’d have to meet somewhere in the middle. What would be the middle ground behind those two proposals? Vassell, Sochan, Barnes, and the 14th pick? Vassell, Barnes, the 14th pick, and two first rounders?

Would either of those two deals be worth it?

Nah... I think we stick where that last offer was. I wouldn't hate keeping #14 and substituting Sochan instead though.

[Mikesatx]

Outside of the Spurs, Rockets & Heat who would want to give more than what we are offering for a 1 year player? I don’t think anyone. That leaves the three teams. Not 100% sure what the Rockets & Heat are offering but believe the Spurs have a good idea. Phoenix is in a bad spot. They won’t want to start the season with him and likely would want something done before the draft. I think they end up holding their nose and taking the Spurs deal.

[RC_Drunkford]

What the hell? We upped our price? Seems like we are close to a deal.

As per Sports Illustrated's Shadab Khan (https://x.com/ShadabKhanNBA/status/1933982599086555387), the Spurs presented a counteroffer to the Suns for Durant. The trade package featured Devin Vassell (https://fadeawayworld.net/tag/devin-vassell), Harrison Barnes (https://fadeawayworld.net/tag/harrison-barnes), the No. 14 pick, and second-round draft capital.
While this aligns with an expected trade proposal (https://sports.yahoo.com/article/spurs-potential-trade-package-kevin-124906628.html), it appears that the Suns are not interested in such a deal, demanding Stephon Castle (https://fadeawayworld.net/tag/stephon-castle) or Jeremy Sochan (https://fadeawayworld.net/tag/jeremy-sochan) instead.
The Spurs' counteroffer was in response to the Suns' initial demand for Vassell, Sochan, Barnes, the No. 14 pick, along with two first-rounders. Needless to say, the Spurs had to reject this.



https://sports.yahoo.com/article/suns-reject-spurs-counteroffer-kevin-082856479.html

:lmao :lmao Shadab Khan is a twitter bot account.

Dude literally took a photo of Pakistani cricket player named Shadab Khan, made him look older with AI, created a fake twitter account and all of a sudden people think he's the new Shams

https://img1.hscicdn.com/image/upload/f_auto,t_ds_square_w_320,q_50/lsci/db/PICTURES/CMS/320400/320467.1.png https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1929656124480827392/hWPtUyZ-_400x400.jpg

[RC_Drunkford]

If the Spurs and Suns do end up making a deal, they’d have to meet somewhere in the middle. What would be the middle ground behind those two proposals? Vassell, Sochan, Barnes, and the 14th pick? Vassell, Barnes, the 14th pick, and two first rounders?

Would either of those two deals be worth it?

Suns new headcoach Jordan Ott used to be an assistant for the Brooklyn Nets. Apparently he likes Claxton. If the Spurs could somehow do a 3-team deal and send Claxton to Phoenix they would bite, I assume.

The problem is, what do you send Brooklyn? The Spurs will never send them Keldon, because Keldon hates New York. He doesn't want to play there. So you either send them Barnes or Vassell. You'll probably have to include #14 and then you gotta find a way to get one of the lower picks #27, #28 back from the Nets and send that one to the Suns with Claxton and the other guy.

I don't think Brooklyn does Barnes + #14 for Claxton + #28. Maybe Vassell + #14 for Claxton + #27? Depends on if they value Devin.

Suns: Claxton, Barnes, #27, 3 second rounders

Nets: Vassell, #14

Spurs: KD

This framework would most likely work if the Spurs include another first round pick, which they shouldn't. And I expect they don't want to do that.

[Ariel]

What the hell? We upped our price? Seems like we are close to a deal.

As per Sports Illustrated's Shadab Khan (https://x.com/ShadabKhanNBA/status/1933982599086555387), the Spurs presented a counteroffer to the Suns for Durant. The trade package featured Devin Vassell (https://fadeawayworld.net/tag/devin-vassell), Harrison Barnes (https://fadeawayworld.net/tag/harrison-barnes), the No. 14 pick, and second-round draft capital.
While this aligns with an expected trade proposal (https://sports.yahoo.com/article/spurs-potential-trade-package-kevin-124906628.html), it appears that the Suns are not interested in such a deal, demanding Stephon Castle (https://fadeawayworld.net/tag/stephon-castle) or Jeremy Sochan (https://fadeawayworld.net/tag/jeremy-sochan) instead.
The Spurs' counteroffer was in response to the Suns' initial demand for Vassell, Sochan, Barnes, the No. 14 pick, along with two first-rounders. Needless to say, the Spurs had to reject this.

https://sports.yahoo.com/article/suns-reject-spurs-counteroffer-kevin-082856479.html
Yahoo Sports cites fadawayworld.net who in turn cites a twitter account with 979 followers: https://x.com/ShadabKhanNBA/
It's really sad how low the bar is for manipulating people into believing anything.

[CGD]

If the Spurs and Suns do end up making a deal, they’d have to meet somewhere in the middle. What would be the middle ground behind those two proposals? Vassell, Sochan, Barnes, and the 14th pick? Vassell, Barnes, the 14th pick, and two first rounders?

Would either of those two deals be worth it?

This was the Spurs' counteroffer, so I think this is their "middle ground" (not that they need to reach one at all). The Spurs should just walk away if the Suns demand more.

Rockets offer probably tops out at Jabari, Green, Tari/Reed and 10. Suns want their pick back, but they'd be missing the forest for the trees if they pass on the Houston offer rich with young talent and 10.

[CGD]

Yahoo Sports cites fadawayworld.net who in turn cites a twitter account with 979 followers: https://x.com/ShadabKhanNBA/
It's really sad how low the bar is for manipulating people into believing anything.

That twitter account you reference is a reporter affiliated with Sports Illustrated. We can debate the merits of that publication versus the value of twitter followers, but I dont think its unreasonable for people to see a guy linked to SI as a credible.

[RC_Drunkford]

That twitter account you reference is a reporter affiliated with Sports Illustrated. We can debate the merits of that publication versus the value of twitter followers, but I dont think its unreasonable for people to see a guy linked to SI as a credible.

Y'all belive anything :lmao

https://i.ibb.co/wNMjNH3g/shadab.jpg

[scottspurs]

This was the Spurs' counteroffer, so I think this is their "middle ground" (not that they need to reach one at all). The Spurs should just walk away if the Suns demand more.

Rockets offer probably tops out at Jabari, Green, Tari/Reed and 10. Suns want their pick back, but they'd be missing the forest for the trees if they pass on the Houston offer rich with young talent and 10.

If Houston offered that a deal would be done. They are just offering Jalen Green, salary filler and pick 10.

I don’t think any team has offered more than one 1st round pick and that’s the holdup. Nor should they. The Suns may not get a 1st at all if they don’t trade him by the draft so the suitors are in the driver seat. I think Houston eventually folds and adds a second 1st. Not sure if Miami has another 1st to trade. Hopefully the Spurs hold strong. I’m cool with picking at 14 in this draft.

I think the offers right now are (don’t feel like looking to see if salaries match):

Houston: Jalen Green, jock landale, pick 10

Timberwolves: Gobert, donte divincenzo, future 1st,

Spurs: Vassell, Barnes, pick 14

Heat: Wiggins, Duncan Robinson, Jovic, Jaime Jaquez, pick 20

Maybe a few mystery team offers

Suns are just waiting it out. Risky move because teams may not want to play Poker on draft night.

[Kevin]

I might be willing to include Socahn.

KD and Sochan play the same position and Sochan is too small to play C and he nukes spacing as a wing. He's a 15-18MPG backup PF with KD on the roster.

[vy65]

1934632417190654369

lol

[Blizzardwizard]

brian windhorst pushing MIN, TOR and LAC as viable durant trade options.


it's clear that someone is going to have to overpay for him. want PATFO to be proactive about improving the roster this summer but they might be better off looking elsewhere at this point.

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

KD for the 14 pick along with Sochan, Devin and Barnes I’d do all day. I don’t think the Spurs up that much beyond throwing in a handful of those seconds they keep in the ashtray.

No need to overpay for Durant at this point in his career.

[cutewizard]

Time to move on....

[Ariel]

That twitter account you reference is a reporter affiliated with Sports Illustrated. We can debate the merits of that publication versus the value of twitter followers, but I dont think its unreasonable for people to see a guy linked to SI as a credible.
Source?
That account was created 4 months ago, has no credible followers, isn't cited anywhere, has posted several highly suspicious bits of info...
1929598291840217284
1926456509833044141

[Chillen]

KD for the 14 pick along with Sochan, Devin and Barnes I’d do all day. I don’t think the Spurs up that much beyond throwing in a handful of those seconds they keep in the ashtray.

No need to overpay for Durant at this point in his career.

I think I would add another 1st with that package and call it a day. So Sochan, Devin, Barnes, #14, 2027 1st round pick and some second round picks. The 2027 1st round pick via Atlanta would not be over pay because we will likely be competing for a championship that year.

[LeBowen]

I think I would add another 1st with that package and call it a day. So Sochan, Devin, Barnes, #14, 2027 1st round pick and some second round picks. The 2027 1st round pick via Atlanta would not be over pay because we will likely be competing for a championship that year.

Luckily for us you aren't the Spurs GM.

[Chillen]

You don't think Durant is worth two 1st's?

[cd98]

You don't think Durant is worth two 1st's?

Not even close. This isn’t 27 year old Durant, it’s 37 year old Durant who will command a big extension coming off knee and Achilles injuries.

[scott]

Brian Wright is a patient assassin, and patience is what will get this deal done.

[Mr. Body]

I imagine Phoenix is looking for a Ware or Sochan to take it away. My feeling is Miami will do it.

[CGD]

Y'all belive anything :lmao

https://i.ibb.co/wNMjNH3g/shadab.jpg

We are so fucked as a country

[CGD]

1934632417190654369

lol

Bottom line, we don’t NEED Durant. He’s a nice to have at this part of our development cycle. I really don’t want the Spurs to up their offer.

[Leetonidas]

1934632417190654369

lol

Phoenix Suns owner is a delusional retard. Thinks just because he royal fucked his team by massively overpaying for Durant and Beal that some other team is going to do the same and overpay for KD :lmao fuck them tbh. This is what you get for being a complete dumbass and trying to buy a title and not even doing a good job of it

[Mr. Body]

Phoenix Suns owner is a delusional retard. Thinks just because he royal fucked his team by massively overpaying for Durant and Beal that some other team is going to do the same and overpay for KD :lmao fuck them tbh. This is what you get for being a complete dumbass and trying to buy a title and not even doing a good job of it

There's some PR issues here, tbh. Fans are going to see Desmond freaking Bane getting five first round picks. And then next year when Durant helps a team to a deep playoff run, more questions.

I think they just keep him. Why not.

[itzsoweezee]

If Houston offered that a deal would be done. They are just offering Jalen Green, salary filler and pick 10.

I don’t think any team has offered more than one 1st round pick and that’s the holdup. Nor should they. The Suns may not get a 1st at all if they don’t trade him by the draft so the suitors are in the driver seat. I think Houston eventually folds and adds a second 1st. Not sure if Miami has another 1st to trade. Hopefully the Spurs hold strong. I’m cool with picking at 14 in this draft.

I think the offers right now are (don’t feel like looking to see if salaries match):

Houston: Jalen Green, jock landale, pick 10

Timberwolves: Gobert, donte divincenzo, future 1st,

Spurs: Vassell, Barnes, pick 14

Heat: Wiggins, Duncan Robinson, Jovic, Jaime Jaquez, pick 20

Maybe a few mystery team offers

Suns are just waiting it out. Risky move because teams may not want to play Poker on draft night.

Houston is in the driver’s seat. They’ve got plenty of excess talent they can add to sweeten the pot, not to mention the picks.

San Antonio needs to stick its offer, if this is indeed the offer.

[Jordan Jackson]

The Spurs unofficial spokesman, Don Harris, is saying the Spurs/KD won’t happen.

He doesn’t talk unless the front office gives him permission. So, I lean this way as well.

I will say, including Sochan would not be a deal breaker for me. But if the Spurs value him, more power to them.

[mo7888]

You don't think Durant is worth two 1st's?

Vassell is worth 2 firsts...Sochan is worth at least 1..then 14 + another? That's 5 firsts in value for a 1 year rental.... no thank you...and im a big KD proponent.

[LeBowen]

I will say, including Sochan would not be a deal breaker for me.

Me neither, but KD trade kind of doesn't make sense if we take the "KD is a great mentor for Wemby" out of the equation.
Spurs certainly won't make the conference finals in the upcoming season, after that KD's deal becomes a financial burden.

If we do the KD trade with Sochan, Vassell and Barnes going the other way, we'd have just 7 players under contract for 26-27 season.
Wemby
Keldon
Castle
Champagnie
Harper
KD
Fox

If KD takes another max or close to it and with Fox's extension kicking in, we'd be between 150 and 160 million on the books with salary cap at 170 million. First apron at 195 million.
And obviously 8 roster spaces to fill. Add another solid rookie because hopefully the Hawks will suck and there's no wiggle room other than minimum deals or trading worthless Keldon for similar players.
Then Wemby's extension kicks in and we're fucked financially.

Look at the two finals rosters. They got there by outrunning the opposition. Depth is key. 7 or 8 man rotations are a thing of the past in the playoffs, it's impossible to keep up with modern basketball requiring so much running up and down the floor.
You can do it for a couple of series, but there's no chance to win it all without depth.

Just my take, but if we're going with Fox as Wemby's max contract partner before Castle/Harper extensions kick in, we can't add another max contract without losing too much depth.
Wemby will be a top5 player in the league when healthy, Fox is a solid all-star, two young guards have a lot of potential, we just need to surround them with legit 3-D wings and we're good to go.
Then if it doesn't work after a couple of tries moves need to be made.
Making those moves before we got anywhere doesn't make sense, especially with a rookie coach.

[RC_Drunkford]

There's some PR issues here, tbh. Fans are going to see Desmond freaking Bane getting five first round picks. And then next year when Durant helps a team to a deep playoff run, more questions.

I think they just keep him. Why not.

they are not keeping him. They tried to pull a Luka on him at the deadline and the Warriors told KD about it. They owe him one and can't fuck up relationships with player agents, otherwise nobody will go there.


Me neither, but KD trade kind of doesn't make sense if we take the "KD is a great mentor for Wemby" out of the equation.
Spurs certainly won't make the conference finals in the upcoming season, after that KD's deal becomes a financial burden.

If we do the KD trade with Sochan, Vassell and Barnes going the other way, we'd have just 7 players under contract for 26-27 season.
Wemby
Keldon
Castle
Champagnie
Harper
KD
Fox

If KD takes another max or close to it and with Fox's extension kicking in, we'd be between 150 and 160 million on the books with salary cap at 170 million. First apron at 195 million.
And obviously 8 roster spaces to fill. Add another solid rookie because hopefully the Hawks will suck and there's no wiggle room other than minimum deals or trading worthless Keldon for similar players.
Then Wemby's extension kicks in and we're fucked financially.

Look at the two finals rosters. They got there by outrunning the opposition. Depth is key. 7 or 8 man rotations are a thing of the past in the playoffs, it's impossible to keep up with modern basketball requiring so much running up and down the floor.
You can do it for a couple of series, but there's no chance to win it all without depth.

Just my take, but if we're going with Fox as Wemby's max contract partner before Castle/Harper extensions kick in, we can't add another max contract without losing too much depth.
Wemby will be a top5 player in the league when healthy, Fox is a solid all-star, two young guards have a lot of potential, we just need to surround them with legit 3-D wings and we're good to go.
Then if it doesn't work after a couple of tries moves need to be made.
Making those moves before we got anywhere doesn't make sense, especially with a rookie coach.

that's not true. I've mapped out this scenario plenty of times. If you think losing Barnes, Vassell, Keldon, Branham and Wesley is losing depth, then you believe in the power of friendship more than the Spurs FO. Typical Spurs fan logic, overvaluing their mediocre prospects.

We can easily trade for KD and add a John Collins or PJ Washington and be off to the races. Still would have some room with the MLE and BAE. Can buy a pick in the low 20s with a bunch of seconds to get a good end of the bench player. Can sign Riley Minnix to a Champagnie deal, etc.

They can turn this roster into a contender in one offseason, if Wright is aggressive enough.

[BacktoBasics]

KD for the 14 pick along with Sochan, Devin and Barnes I’d do all day. I don’t think the Spurs up that much beyond throwing in a handful of those seconds they keep in the ashtray.

No need to overpay for Durant at this point in his career.

That’s awful. Sochan, Barnes and Vassell plus 14 is a bad deal for us. I’m not including Sochan.

You could do a lot better with those 3 players and that pick than a rental of a guy who is moments away from retirement.

[RC_Drunkford]

1934632417190654369

lol

Again, Wright is playing this perfect. KD took Minny out of the equation. The Suns can leak that "we gon do what's best for the franchise" stuff as much as they want. Once that franchise talks to KD and his agent and he tells them he won't play there, they won't go all in.

All Brian has to do is wait it out and then put some extra sauce on that package and the Suns will bite. They won't wait past draft night to do a deal.

[Ariel]

Vassell is worth 2 firsts...Sochan is worth at least 1..then 14 + another? That's 5 firsts in value for a 1 year rental.... no thank you...and im a big KD proponent.
I don't think anyone around the league currently values Vassell at 2 firsts, not at his contract and not after the past season.

[LeBowen]

that's not true. I've mapped out this scenario plenty of times. If you think losing Barnes, Vassell, Keldon, Branham and Wesley is losing depth, then you believe in the power of friendship more than the Spurs FO. Typical Spurs fan logic, overvaluing their mediocre prospects.

I don't care about losing those players, I just don't think aggregating all those salaries into one player is worth it.
Unless we can get a couple more pieces on really cheap deals like Champagnie.


We can easily trade for KD and add a John Collins or PJ Washington and be off to the races. Still would have some room with the MLE and BAE. Can buy a pick in the low 20s with a bunch of seconds to get a good end of the bench player. Can sign Riley Minnix to a Champagnie deal, etc.

Vassell would be gone in KD deal and Mavs wouldn't want Keldon+garbage without multiple FRPs.
We still wouldn't have a legit backup big, I made a post the other day, it's slim pickings if we're cheaping out.
Riley Minnix wouldn't contribute shit to actually competing.

Then even if we add Washington, he'd probably ask for a deal in 22-25 million a year range, with Fox's extension kicking in and we're on the verge of luxury tax already.

Post KD trade rotation:
Fox/Harper
Castle/-(irrelevant, 3 guards are enough)
Champagnie/Keldon
KD/(does Jeremy stay?)
Wemby/?

If Jeremy is also gone, we need a backup big and another legit wing.
But if we want Collins or Washington, then Keldon is gone. Which I'd be happy about, but then we'd need another wing for the rotation.

As I said plenty of times, I'd like to ship the entire friendship crew out, but I'd much rather do it for multiple high end role players.
Something like getting PJ Washington, Gafford and Cam Johnson.

Fox/Harper
Castle/-
Cam/Keldon (or Barnes)
Washington/Jeremy
Wemby/Gafford

And we'd have way more flexibility to do another deal at the deadline if we're doing well.
And our long term cap situation would be ideal, without contracts that are difficult to move if Washington and Gafford agree to let's say 40 million combined on their extensions.

[mo7888]

I don't think anyone around the league currently values Vassell at 2 firsts, not at his contract and not after the past season.

Based on what Bane got back, I think they do..

[RC_Drunkford]

The Spurs unofficial spokesman, Don Harris, is saying the Spurs/KD won’t happen.

He doesn’t talk unless the front office gives him permission. So, I lean this way as well.

I will say, including Sochan would not be a deal breaker for me. But if the Spurs value him, more power to them.

you should look at what he's actually saying:

1934649966892630231

key words: My GUESS remains

He's guessing. He doesn't know.

I don't think this guy is reliable at all, but for fun:

1934646389411107276

no team in the league is giving them 3 picks tbh.

Then there's this:

1934640231476494379

[Chillen]

Then there's this:

1934640231476494379

He won't even finish the season for the Raptors. He will demand out of there if they trade for him. He will be miserable. Only team for a 1 year rental for him he would stay the whole season with I think is Minnesota.

[vy65]

they are not keeping him. They tried to pull a Luka on him at the deadline and the Warriors told KD about it. They owe him one and can't fuck up relationships with player agents, otherwise nobody will go there.



that's not true. I've mapped out this scenario plenty of times. If you think losing Barnes, Vassell, Keldon, Branham and Wesley is losing depth, then you believe in the power of friendship more than the Spurs FO. Typical Spurs fan logic, overvaluing their mediocre prospects.

We can easily trade for KD and add a John Collins or PJ Washington and be off to the races. Still would have some room with the MLE and BAE. Can buy a pick in the low 20s with a bunch of seconds to get a good end of the bench player. Can sign Riley Minnix to a Champagnie deal, etc.

They can turn this roster into a contender in one offseason, if Wright is aggressive enough.

And, who are we adding at roster spots 8-15?

Google AI projects the 26/27 salary cap at $170,112,000, the luxury tax at $206,686,000, the first apron at $215,505,000, and the second apron at $228,572,000. If you assume $160 million as the combined salary of 1-8, you have about $55 million before hitting the first apron. You might have one or two more "large" (15-20MM) contracts, but those remaining roster spots are going to be filed with rookies picked hopefully in the 20s (their salary maxes out at around $3-4MM) and minimum type players.

1-8: 160MM
9: 20MM "large" contract
10: 10MM "medium" contract
11-12: rookies at a combined 8MM
13-15: 3 minimum players making ~4.5MM each

Total = ~211MM

[RC_Drunkford]

I don't care about losing those players, I just don't think aggregating all those salaries into one player is worth it.
Unless we can get a couple more pieces on really cheap deals like Champagnie.



Vassell would be gone in KD deal and Mavs wouldn't want Keldon+garbage without multiple FRPs.
We still wouldn't have a legit backup big, I made a post the other day, it's slim pickings if we're cheaping out.
Riley Minnix wouldn't contribute shit to actually competing.

Then even if we add Washington, he'd probably ask for a deal in 22-25 million a year range, with Fox's extension kicking in and we're on the verge of luxury tax already.

Post KD trade rotation:
Fox/Harper
Castle/-(irrelevant, 3 guards are enough)
Champagnie/Keldon
KD/(does Jeremy stay?)
Wemby/?

If Jeremy is also gone, we need a backup big and another legit wing.
But if we want Collins or Washington, then Keldon is gone. Which I'd be happy about, but then we'd need another wing for the rotation.

As I said plenty of times, I'd like to ship the entire friendship crew out, but I'd much rather do it for multiple high end role players.
Something like getting PJ Washington, Gafford and Cam Johnson.

Fox/Harper
Castle/-
Cam/Keldon (or Barnes)
Washington/Jeremy
Wemby/Gafford

And we'd have way more flexibility to do another deal at the deadline if we're doing well.
And our long term cap situation would be ideal, without contracts that are difficult to move if Washington and Gafford agree to let's say 40 million combined on their extensions.


This is super easy to navigate. And that's without a Fox discount. KD takes a minimal discount. You might have to pay tax in 27/28, key word: MIGHT. And even then it wouldn't be much.

There's a ton of wiggle room to unlock still and your 10 player rotation would probably be the best in the league. This is too easy with that many rookie contracts on the books. Adding KD and extending Fox ain't hurting this team one bit.


And, who are we adding at roster spots 8-15?

Google AI projects the 26/27 salary cap at $170,112,000, the luxury tax at $206,686,000, the first apron at $215,505,000, and the second apron at $228,572,000. If you assume $160 million as the combined salary of 1-8, you have about $55 million before hitting the first apron. You might have one or two more "large" (15-20MM) contracts, but those remaining roster spots are going to be filed with rookies picked hopefully in the 20s (their salary maxes out at around $3-4MM) and minimum type players.

1-8: 160MM
9: 20MM "large" contract
10: 10MM "medium" contract
11-12: rookies at a combined 8MM
13-15: 3 minimum players making ~4.5MM each

Total = ~211MM


I don't need AI to tell me anything. I can actually do this shit my damn self.

https://i.ibb.co/fV8JCWWF/KD-Trade-Cap.jpg
https://ibb.co/Q7806VVQ

[LeBowen]

This is super easy to navigate. And that's without a Fox discount. KD takes a minimal discount. You might have to pay tax in 27/28, key word: MIGHT. And even then it wouldn't be much.

There's a ton of wiggle room to unlock still and your 10 player rotation would probably be the best in the league. This is too easy with that many rookie contracts on the books. Adding KD and extending Fox ain't hurting this team one bit.

https://i.ibb.co/fV8JCWWF/KD-Trade-Cap.jpg
https://ibb.co/Q7806VVQ

So your 26-27 rotation is:
Fox/Harper
Castle/-
Champagnie/Sochan
KD/Collins
Wemby/Vukcevic
?

I don't like that.
Not enough shooting and a most likely inadequate backup big.
(Don't say Collins at C because when I suggested it you said he shouldn't play C, even as a backup)

[spurraider21]

:lol

1934676215396528639

[Knoxxx]

Since when are we acquiring Vucevic?

[Chillen]

Any team that trades for him as a 1 year rental and if he does not want to be there he will ask out and demand a trade to one of Spurs, Heat and Rockets. If he does not want to play for T-Wolves he will be absolutely thrilled to be a Raptor, lol. If Raptors want to give the Suns the 9th pick for KD go right ahead.

[Mr. Body]

:lol

1934676215396528639

Kevin Durant wants:

1. Warm weather
2. No income tax

[mo7888]

you should look at what he's actually saying:

1934649966892630231

key words: My GUESS remains

He's guessing. He doesn't know.

I don't think this guy is reliable at all, but for fun:

1934646389411107276

no team in the league is giving them 3 picks tbh.

Then there's this:

1934640231476494379

I think they are the main competition. They are the most desperate.

[exstatic]

Feels like it was always some SRPs added to the deal. Phoenix is going to want more, but likely won't get it. They aren't seeing the offers they want. I'd almost just keep Durant at this point.

And lose him for nothing next summer? Not a good idea. Take whatever you can get this summer. 14,Vassell and Barnes is better than Jada.

[RC_Drunkford]

So your 26-27 rotation is:
Fox/Harper
Castle/-
Champagnie/Sochan
KD/Collins
Wemby/Vukcevic
?

I don't like that.
Not enough shooting and a most likely inadequate backup big.
(Don't say Collins at C because when I suggested it you said he shouldn't play C, even as a backup)

Who's the non shooter except Sochan? Harper and Castle are questionable. They would be on your roster as well.

more like

Fox/Harper
Castle
Durant/Champagnie
Collins/Sochan
Wemby

In 2026 we got the ATL swap so you add a rookie. You still got money left for another veteran center. Blake can get a cheap extension if he finally finds a way to put the ball in the basket. Vukcevic might actually develop into a decent stretch big. He shot 37.3% from 3 last season.


Since when are we acquiring Vucevic?

not Bulls' Nikola Vucevic. Tristan Vukcevic from the Wizards. 21 year old stretch big. He's cheap and worth taking a swing on.

[RC_Drunkford]

I'd laugh my ass off if they trade for KD while they got Ingram on the roster

1934623534413689315

[td4mvp21]

Suns PR working overtime trying to drive the price up :lol

Spurs are rightly standing pat with their Vassell/Barnes/14 offer. It leaked last week that Spurs are KD’s preferred landing spot. You either get KD for the price you want or let Houston overpay to get him.

[cd98]

Seems perfectly lined up for Raptors to trade for Durant on a one year rental. But giving up a lottery pick? Yikes. They aren't winning a title if they get Durant. They are just ruining their lottery changes for next year's draft.

[LeBowen]

Fox/Harper
Castle
Durant/Champagnie
Collins/Sochan
Wemby

That wing duo would be too slow, can't ask 37 year old KD to play SF.
I like Collins, but if we're getting KD we need a small forward.

With that roster Champagnie would have to start, but Mitch doesn't rate him considering his role this season and he'd shove Jeremy in there.

Idk, I honestly feel like we're going in circles. There are valid arguments for and against KD trade, I guess we'll have to wait until the trade goes down.
Another thing with getting KD instead of role players is the usage distribution.
I'd take him only if he accepts the FIBA role as the executioner, he shouldn't have the ball much.

[SpursFan86]

Yeah I don’t see the logic with Toronto at all. They’re clearly nowhere close to contending. Why in the hell would you give up a top 10 pick this year + other pieces for Durant when he’s made it clear he doesn’t want to extend with them?

With KD being vehemently anti-Minnesota, I really think it’s just down to SA/Houston/Miami. All 3 teams have been reported as not giving Phoenix the package they were hoping for, so it really seems like it’s just a matter of time until Phoenix sucks it up and decides to take whichever offer they like the most.

[TowelWaver]

All 3 teams have been reported as not giving Phoenix the package they were hoping for, so it really seems like it’s just a matter of time until Phoenix sucks it up and decides to take whichever offer they like the most.

Or hate the least.

[Seventyniner]

Yeah I don’t see the logic with Toronto at all. They’re clearly nowhere close to contending. Why in the hell would you give up a top 10 pick this year + other pieces for Durant when he’s made it clear he doesn’t want to extend with them?

With KD being vehemently anti-Minnesota, I really think it’s just down to SA/Houston/Miami. All 3 teams have been reported as not giving Phoenix the package they were hoping for, so it really seems like it’s just a matter of time until Phoenix sucks it up and decides to take whichever offer they like the most.

Why would the Raptors trade for Ingram? Why would they give up a first for Poeltl?

It only takes one dumb FO to overpay, and that's what the Suns are counting on.

[Mugen]

If KD isn't coming to SA then I can't think of a better landing spot for him than Toronto tbh :lol

[scott]

Feel bad for my man HB for having to deal with these rumors. Homeboy did nothing but waive his trade kicker, give back to the San Antonio community, be an iron man for us on the court... and now his name being tossed around like he's some kind of Devin Vassell level bum.

[cd98]

RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley & Jakob Poeltl and the 9th Pick? That's a better haul than what we got for Kawhi. Not sure why Raptors are dying to throw assets at a one year rental that won't likely even get them to the playoffs.

[baseline bum]

If the Spurs and Suns do end up making a deal, they’d have to meet somewhere in the middle. What would be the middle ground behind those two proposals? Vassell, Sochan, Barnes, and the 14th pick? Vassell, Barnes, the 14th pick, and two first rounders?

Would either of those two deals be worth it?

Three firsts for old ass Durant is ridiculous.

[baseline bum]

You don't think Durant is worth two 1st's?

Nope, and especially not two of Atlanta's firsts.

[cd98]

Right. There is no meet in the middle. Given all the variables, Vassell, HB, and the 14th pick, and some 2nd rounders are the best offer. And to be honest, if I were the Spurs, I wouldn't trade the 14th pick. I'd give them a top 5 protected Spurs first round pick in 2026.

[Mr. Body]

Miami is now considered the favorite. Repeat: Miami Heat are the favorites.

[LeBowen]

Miami is now considered the favorite. Repeat: Miami Heat are the favorites.

Is Riley really going to trade Ware for 37 year old KD? :lmao
Would be a great win now trade for Miami if they can get rid of Rozier and/or Robinson.

[Mr. Body]

Is Riley really going to trade Ware for 37 year old KD? :lmao
Would be a great win now trade for Miami if they can get rid of Rozier and/or Robinson.

I mean, I kind of would, but I don't believe in Ware.

[LeBowen]

I mean, I kind of would, but I don't believe in Ware.

He averaged 11/10 as a starter, him and Adebayo seem to be a good combo, he's easily Heat's best young player and more valuable than anything we're offering.

[Mr. Body]

He averaged 11/10 as a starter, him and Adebayo seem to be a good combo, he's easily Heat's best young player and more valuable than anything we're offering.

He might be good. Big motivation issues and I think teams will figure him out.

[BatManu20]

Lol Knicks.

1934710410059391055

[LeBowen]

Actually a smart decision by them.
He could've joined in 2019, but he chose the Nets.


Although it would be really entertaining to see him clash with NY media. :lol


He might be good. Big motivation issues and I think teams will figure him out.

Interesting, I never heard about those issues.

[spurraider21]

Gambo said he thinks Miami is out of it, says there are better offers. still thinks a deal getting done this week

[vy65]

Gambo said he thinks Miami is out of it, says there are better offers. still thinks a deal getting done this week

Memba 4 days ago when Gambo said a deal would be done in 72 hours?

[spurraider21]

Memba 4 days ago when Gambo said a deal would be done in 72 hours?
not specifically

[Spurs9]

Really hope we don't end up with this dude having to pay $60mil a year for him in a extension.

[Mr. Body]

Actually a smart decision by them.
He could've joined in 2019, but he chose the Nets.


Although it would be really entertaining to see him clash with NY media. :lol



Interesting, I never heard about those issues.

He played one year at Oregon before getting recruited over because he wasn't engaged. He had a good subsequent year at Indiana. He may have solved those issues. He's what you'd want from a center, can block shots and even has a good touch. Riley has a good eye and centers are really hard to come by nowadays. I still think three years of Durant might be worth it, because Miami isn't going anywhere otherwise. But don't know.

[RC_Drunkford]

Miami is now considered the favorite. Repeat: Miami Heat are the favorites.

No, Gambo just said there are better offers on the table than Miami's. Suns propaganga machines are working overtime, yet they ain't getting anything better than what was offered. They are desperate, otherwise this deal would've gone through already.



Three firsts for old ass Durant is ridiculous.

looks like that was in the yahoo article which was based on infos from the twitter bot "insider". So most likely false info.


That wing duo would be too slow, can't ask 37 year old KD to play SF.
I like Collins, but if we're getting KD we need a small forward.

With that roster Champagnie would have to start, but Mitch doesn't rate him considering his role this season and he'd shove Jeremy in there.

Idk, I honestly feel like we're going in circles. There are valid arguments for and against KD trade, I guess we'll have to wait until the trade goes down.
Another thing with getting KD instead of role players is the usage distribution.
I'd take him only if he accepts the FIBA role as the executioner, he shouldn't have the ball much.

he can play the 3 with his size. If you want more wiggle room replace John Collins with LaRavia who would only cost 10-12 million. Plenty of possibilities.


He averaged 11/10 as a starter, him and Adebayo seem to be a good combo, he's easily Heat's best young player and more valuable than anything we're offering.

which is why the Heat view him as untouchable


Lol Knicks.

1934710410059391055

completely made up. After the Brooklyn Nets fiasco he said something like "fuck the Knicks". He absolutely doesn't want to play there.


Memba 4 days ago when Gambo said a deal would be done in 72 hours?

exactly. Shows you they gotta settle for less, cause they cleary aren't getting what they would like


He played one year at Oregon before getting recruited over because he wasn't engaged. He had a good subsequent year at Indiana. He may have solved those issues. He's what you'd want from a center, can block shots and even has a good touch. Riley has a good eye and centers are really hard to come by nowadays. I still think three years of Durant might be worth it, because Miami isn't going anywhere otherwise. But don't know.

they not going anywhere with KD either

[benefactor]

I still don't see how people don't see that Kevin Durant is the perfect player for a three-year window if you can manage the costs. A veteran like him with how he plays and how he will age is perfect for a roster like the Spurs. All this hand waving is kind of ridiculous honestly. He is Kevin fucking Durant. He still playing close to an All-Star level and there's no reason to believe he's going to fall off some kind of cliff in 2 years. By the time he's gone the young players start to develop fully and Wemby is beginning to take on his final form. Much higher chance of reward than risk.

[Uriel]

Kevin Durant wants:

1. Warm weather
2. No income tax
We all want that.

[RC_Drunkford]

I still don't see how people don't see that Kevin Durant is the perfect player for a three-year window if you can manage the costs. A veteran like him with how he plays and how he will age is perfect for a roster like the Spurs. All this hand waving is kind of ridiculous honestly. He is Kevin fucking Durant. He still playing close to an All-Star level and there's no reason to believe he's going to fall off some kind of cliff in 2 years. By the time he's gone the young players start to develop fully and Wemby is beginning to take on his final form. Much higher chance of reward than risk.

If you have a top 10-15 player on the roster

Another top 30-25 player

and can add another top 15 player on a bargain....You do it!!!! That's a legit big 3. Some still believe the power of friendship will somehow be more successful

[RC_Drunkford]

1934721657312014781

[PhantomDashCam]

I still don't see how people don't see that Kevin Durant is the perfect player for a three-year window if you can manage the costs. A veteran like him with how he plays and how he will age is perfect for a roster like the Spurs. All this hand waving is kind of ridiculous honestly. He is Kevin fucking Durant. He still playing close to an All-Star level and there's no reason to believe he's going to fall off some kind of cliff in 2 years. By the time he's gone the young players start to develop fully and Wemby is beginning to take on his final form. Much higher chance of reward than risk.

I agree with this on principle. The concerns though are valid.
What actually makes KD happy? He seems to sow seeds of discontent everywhere he goes.
He’s absolutely one of the best to ever lace them up, his numbers speak to that.
This will be his fourth team in six years, that speaks to something else…

[Dejounte]

1934721657312014781
Im getting whiplash

[mudyez]

I still don't see how people don't see that Kevin Durant is the perfect player for a three-year window if you can manage the costs. A veteran like him with how he plays and how he will age is perfect for a roster like the Spurs. All this hand waving is kind of ridiculous honestly. He is Kevin fucking Durant. He still playing close to an All-Star level and there's no reason to believe he's going to fall off some kind of cliff in 2 years. By the time he's gone the young players start to develop fully and Wemby is beginning to take on his final form. Much higher chance of reward than risk.

So what would you offer? Are Castle and or #2 on the table for you? As much as we know, at least one of them probably would have to be.

[RC_Drunkford]

So what would you offer? Are Castle and or #2 on the table for you? As much as we know, at least one of them probably would have to be.

lol no way. None of this has ever been on the table nor will be. It's Vassell, Barnes. #14 and second rounders. They will have to take that.


I agree with this on principle. The concerns though are valid.
What actually makes KD happy? He seems to sow seeds of discontent everywhere he goes.
He’s absolutely one of the best to ever lace them up, his numbers speak to that.
This will be his fourth team in six years, that speaks to something else…

how about:

-playing on a team with a real center behind him
-playing for an organisation with great culture
-not having to be the first option
-having Pop around
-being close to Austin to promote his WNBA expansion team
-contending
-mentoring young players
-not getting much media attention and just being able to hoop

[BatManu20]

Miami's offer is shit. Accepting that over the Spurs' offer would be GM malpractice.

[Mnky]

I still don't see how people don't see that Kevin Durant is the perfect player for a three-year window if you can manage the costs. A veteran like him with how he plays and how he will age is perfect for a roster like the Spurs. All this hand waving is kind of ridiculous honestly. He is Kevin fucking Durant. He still playing close to an All-Star level and there's no reason to believe he's going to fall off some kind of cliff in 2 years. By the time he's gone the young players start to develop fully and Wemby is beginning to take on his final form. Much higher chance of reward than risk.

People don't actually watch the games. They watch twitter highlights and spend more time on this board than watching the actual games.

Someone said Durant couldn't play SF, he was too slow. He was All NBA at SF a year ago. These takes are wild.

[ace3g]

DK9YalHJsVB

[Mnky]

So what would you offer? Are Castle and or #2 on the table for you? As much as we know, at least one of them probably would have to be.

We don't know anything. :lol

Everything we've read is speculation. The only real insiders say the Spurs aren't giving in to the suns demand and no one else is either.

[vy65]

So, if Miami is out, then its down to the Spurs and Rockets, unless Phoenix says fuck KD, we're taking the Minnesota offer.

As between the following two offers (SA: SV/HB/14 vs. HOU: DB/JG/10), what makes you all think the Spurs offer is the best? Houston has the better draft pick and the best player (Jalen Green) out of the 4.

[exstatic]

There's some PR issues here, tbh. Fans are going to see Desmond freaking Bane getting five first round picks. And then next year when Durant helps a team to a deep playoff run, more questions.

I think they just keep him. Why not.

Because Devin + salary, and 14 is better than the nothing you get next summer?

[exstatic]

You don't think Durant is worth two 1st's?

I think Devin + 14 is better than any offer they have on the table, and you should never bid against yourself.

[LeBowen]

Someone said Durant couldn't play SF, he was too slow. He was All NBA at SF a year ago. These takes are wild.

You know what's wild? Trying to say someone's wrong without actually watching games, after you claimed people don't watch games.
KD wasn't a SF since he tore his achilles.

Not to mention that at his age declines are often sharp and not gradual.
Even Lebron is noticably worse than he was 2 years ago, despite statpadding his way to Heat Lebron numbers.

A positive thing for us is that we don't need KD's paint penetration because he doesn't really attack the rim anymore, but only people who don't actually watch games will say he's not on a noticable decline.

[exstatic]

I don't think anyone around the league currently values Vassell at 2 firsts, not at his contract and not after the past season.

Bane makes $40M, fights with teammates, and just pulled 5 FRPs or swaps. Devin at $27M is worth two.

[mudyez]

benefactor makes it seem like we should just pay the price, whatever it is.

I'm not saying I wouldn't do Barnes+Vassell+#14 (nor would I be ecstatic as the 120 mio would hit hard)...but I doubt that's still a possibility (the rumored packages of other teams look more enticing and Giannis probably staying seemingly upped the price).

As of now, my biggest fear is not not getting KD, but paying anything more than the mentioned package (not counting some 2nd rounders)...be it Sochan any 1st or god forbid Castle/#2.

Piggybacking on this, I'm curious what any other Vassell (+X) deal could get us (later). With the guard threesome I see him moved soon.

[dn0774]

So, if Miami is out, then its down to the Spurs and Rockets, unless Phoenix says fuck KD, we're taking the Minnesota offer.

As between the following two offers (SA: SV/HB/14 vs. HOU: DB/JG/10), what makes you all think the Spurs offer is the best? Houston has the better draft pick and the best player (Jalen Green) out of the 4.

Jalen Greens value is tough to assess, many would argue that he is actually neutral value or possibly even negative value. I don’t know that I’d go that far but it certainly demonstrates that as an asset he is tough to quantify.

[LeBowen]

Jalen Greens value is tough to assess, many would argue that he is actually neutral value or possibly even negative value. I don’t know that I’d go that far but it certainly demonstrates that as an asset he is tough to quantify.

The issue for him, much like Devin is that traditional shooting guards are out of fashion right now.
Pure scorers aren't worth it unless they're on elite level, they either need to also be great playmakers or defenders. Green is neither.

[scott]

It might be worth, for just a moment, considering the possibility that this Gambo person is the Suns version of local Spurs media and don't know jack shit.

[mudyez]

The issue for him, much like Devin is that traditional shooting guards are out of fashion right now.
Pure scorers aren't worth it unless they're on elite level, they either need to also be great playmakers or defenders. Green is neither.

When we drafted Vassell was ment to be a good (even though not excellent) defender. I wonder when he lost that? Did he even lose it, or is his focus just too much on the offensive side of the ball because of the pre Wemby years?

[benefactor]

So what would you offer? Are Castle and or #2 on the table for you? As much as we know, at least one of them probably would have to be.
Why in the fuck would I trade away our best young players that when I'm talking about developing young players? Did you even read anything I fucking said? You are apparently one of those people that wants to keep friendship crew forever and fail in the playoffs in the second round every year.

[scott]

Bane makes $40M, fights with teammates, and just pulled 5 FRPs or swaps. Devin at $27M is worth two.

Not so much geared towards you, ex, but you provide a good launching pad for this discussion.

Vecenie did a pretty thorough breakdown on the Bane trade on the most recent Game Theory Podcast, and I tend to agree with the valuation they came up with. KCP and Anthony were both upside down to the tune of what they estimate to be 1 FRP and 1 swap. So Bane essentially is worth 3 FRPs in this deal. We could also get into expected pick quality, as that is also a factor, but let's just leave it at that. There is also the matter of a pretty unique fit for Bane in what ORL is trying to do, which could drive some of their overpaying, but let's leave that aside as well.

So does Bane being worth 3 FRP give us some insight into what Vassell might be worth?

One consideration is something Sam and Brice discussed in the pod - the NBA seems to be sending clear messages through recent trade activity that there is a HIGH value placed on off-the-ball scorers who are positive defenders. See Bridges and now Bane. Less value placed upon non-defenders who need the ball in their hands more (see Ingram). If you are comparing Vassell to Bane or BI, he more closely resembles BI on the court than he does Bane (and to be clear, BI is still a better player on the court than Devin by almost every available perspective, except he's older and more expensive which is certainly a consideration).

I don't know where I'd rank him, but Vecenie and Brice claim Bane is a Top-6 3P shooter in the league, in a tier right behind Steph. Vassell is, at best, a slightly above average 3P shooter if we give him the benefit of the doubt on injuries impacting his %s (I believe he's only finished above league average from 3 once in his career, but I'd need to double check that).

There's a quite a bit of a drop off from Bane to Vassell. Especially when we consider the defensive end. Bane is a positive defender whereas Devin is a sieve. With that said, I would say that in light of the Bane deal, the Spurs *should* be able to convincingly value Devin at 1 FRP of similar quality to those in the Bane deal.

https://i.imgur.com/ia82Ywq.png

https://i.imgur.com/TmE4NJ1.png

https://i.imgur.com/pcdBLKp.png

[RC_Drunkford]

benefactor makes it seem like we should just pay the price, whatever it is.

I'm not saying I wouldn't do Barnes+Vassell+#14 (nor would I be ecstatic as the 120 mio would hit hard)...but I doubt that's still a possibility (the rumored packages of other teams look more enticing and Giannis probably staying seemingly upped the price).

As of now, my biggest fear is not not getting KD, but paying anything more than the mentioned package (not counting some 2nd rounders)...be it Sochan any 1st or god forbid Castle/#2.

Piggybacking on this, I'm curious what any other Vassell (+X) deal could get us (later). With the guard threesome I see him moved soon.

my biggest fear is that if we don't get Durant, we'll make a run at RJ Barrett

[benefactor]

For the record, I would add Sochan in a Durant trade without hesitation

[spurraider21]

i really think vecenie overstated how underwater the Anthony deal is. anthony is fine. he's a solid player who was also a relatively clutch performer for Orlando. he going to be making 13 mil next year. would he get that much on the market if he was a free agent? probably not? but its not egregious enough to have to send a FRP swap out. and then theres a club option if he plays well next year. he's still 25. i think its a pretty neutral contract and he's a solid player

[scott]

my biggest fear is that if we don't get Durant, we'll make a run at RJ Barrett

If this KD thing doesn't come together (and I'm still not even necessarily a proponent of this acquisition), I hope we just pivot to using the #14 pick, our MLE, BAE and maybe a deal similar to the Barnes deal last year where we pick up a capable vet to relatively cheap (I understand we got paid to take Barnes because we had cap space, so not exactly the same). Maybe John Collins could fall into that category... though I think the assumption that Collins would be cheap to acquire needs to be checked against the fact that no one has ever bit. Is he really that cheap? Is there something else on Collins in league circles to make teams not want to pick him up? Or maybe some of our pieces start to look attractive to throw into deals if the offseason gets really crazy.

With that said, I expect our lineup to look like this going into camp... and I think I'd be okay with that (depth chart is just the order I'd put them, not necessarily what I think the team would do):

Fox/Harper/Wesley
Castle/Vassell/Branham
Champ/Keldon/NEW
Barnes/Sochan/NEW
Wemby/NEW/NEW

The "New" to be made up from #14/#38/MLE/BAE/Min Contracts. Also would not be shocked to see Mamu back.

Still weak on the boards... but maybe we some incremental improvement just from coaching or our other minor additions.

[scott]

i really think vecenie overstated how underwater the Anthony deal is. anthony is fine. he's a solid player who was also a relatively clutch performer for Orlando. he going to be making 13 mil next year. would he get that much on the market if he was a free agent? probably not? but its not egregious enough to have to send a FRP swap out. and then theres a club option if he plays well next year. he's still 25. i think its a pretty neutral contract and he's a solid player

I think that's where they came up with 1 FRP and 1 Swap for the combination of KCP and Anthony being underwater. They estimated together they are about $30MM under water in market value. Would you pay a swap to dump Cole? Probably not. But you might not be able to dump KCP with just 1 FRP... so the swap gets you the rest of the way with KCP and for Cole. It sounds about right to me.

[dn0774]

Man, those Vassell graphs are tough to look at. Such a disappointing turn for a promising player. Whether it is with us or not, I hope Devin can reshape his game with a focus more towards being a catch and shoot weapon and less dribbling. He clearly had some defensive chops early on, is it just an effort (lack of) issue nowadays?

[RC_Drunkford]

If this KD thing doesn't come together (and I'm still not even necessarily a proponent of this acquisition), I hope we just pivot to using the #14 pick, our MLE, BAE and maybe a deal similar to the Barnes deal last year where we pick up a capable vet to relatively cheap (I understand we got paid to take Barnes because we had cap space, so not exactly the same). Maybe John Collins could fall into that category... though I think the assumption that Collins would be cheap to acquire needs to be checked against the fact that no one has ever bit. Is he really that cheap? Is there something else on Collins in league circles to make teams not want to pick him up? Or maybe some of our pieces start to look attractive to throw into deals if the offseason gets really crazy.

With that said, I expect our lineup to look like this going into camp... and I think I'd be okay with that (depth chart is just the order I'd put them, not necessarily what I think the team would do):

Fox/Harper/Wesley
Castle/Vassell/Branham
Champ/Keldon/NEW
Barnes/Sochan/NEW
Wemby/NEW/NEW

The "New" to be made up from #14/#38/MLE/BAE/Min Contracts. Also would not be shocked to see Mamu back.

Still weak on the boards... but maybe we some incremental improvement just from coaching or our other minor additions.

If that happens the entire FO needs to get fired. The least I expect this franchise to do is to give me a capable starting 4 and not run out spurstalks favorite Harrison Barnes.

[scott]

If that happens the entire FO needs to get fired. The least I expect this franchise to do is to give me a capable starting 4 and not run out spurstalks favorite Harrison Barnes.

Quite the fanatical overreaction, tbh.

[scott]

Man, those Vassell graphs are tough to look at. Such a disappointing turn for a promising player. Whether it is with us or not, I hope Devin can reshape his game with a focus more towards being a catch and shoot weapon and less dribbling. He clearly had some defensive chops early on, is it just an effort (lack of) issue nowadays?

If he could turn around things and become a capable defender and off-ball shooter, it would be such a game changer. Between he and Castle, there is enough size for them to combine at the 2/3 in lineups. Fingers crossed if he isn't dealt that he can make this happen.

[Ice009]

I think that's where they came up with 1 FRP and 1 Swap for the combination of KCP and Anthony being underwater. They estimated together they are about $30MM under water in market value. Would you pay a swap to dump Cole? Probably not. But you might not be able to dump KCP with just 1 FRP... so the swap gets you the rest of the way with KCP and for Cole. It sounds about right to me.

So when you factor in Cole Anthony and KCP (Would you say 1 or 2 first round picks to take KCP and the swap Cole Anthony's contract), how many picks was Bane traded for? 2 or 3 first round picks?

[scott]

So when you factor in Cole Anthony and KCP (Would you say 1 or 2 first round picks to take KCP and the swap Cole Anthony's contract), how many picks was Bane traded for? 2 or 3 first round picks?

Bruh... I literally say it in my first post.

[Ice009]

Bruh... I literally say it in my first post.

I just reread it properly. Need to go to bed as I'm too far out of it. Didn't really read it fully. Have been up all night. So yeah, 3 first round picks. Got it.

[dn0774]

If he could turn around things and become a capable defender and off-ball shooter, it would be such a game changer. Between he and Castle, there is enough size for them to combine at the 2/3 in lineups. Fingers crossed if he isn't dealt that he can make this happen.

I know he idolizes Kobe, but maybe he should be studying Klay circa 2015.

[spurraider21]

If he could turn around things and become a capable defender and off-ball shooter, it would be such a game changer. Between he and Castle, there is enough size for them to combine at the 2/3 in lineups. Fingers crossed if he isn't dealt that he can make this happen.
its wild because his draft projection was basically 3&D with upside :lol

[Mnky]

You know what's wild? Trying to say someone's wrong without actually watching games, after you claimed people don't watch games.
KD wasn't a SF since he tore his achilles.

Not to mention that at his age declines are often sharp and not gradual.
Even Lebron is noticably worse than he was 2 years ago, despite statpadding his way to Heat Lebron numbers.

A positive thing for us is that we don't need KD's paint penetration because he doesn't really attack the rim anymore, but only people who don't actually watch games will say he's not on a noticable decline.

You're just making things up. KD was played as a 4 & 5 in Phoenix because they have no bigs. He was better than the bigs they did have. Just because he's talented enough to do it does not mean that's his spot. He is a forward. Saying one of the best players on the planet can't play his natural position is just crazy. It's okay to just come to terms with being wrong bro. Noone cares about it. Digging deeper on something as silly as this one is a bold move cotton.

[RC_Drunkford]

desperation :lol

1934764331616309738

[scott]

It would be hilariously awesome to see Phoenix pivot to going further into the 2nd apron because they don't like the market for Durant.

[LeBowen]

You're just making things up. KD was played as a 4 & 5 in Phoenix because they have no bigs. He was better than the bigs they did have. Just because he's talented enough to do it does not mean that's his spot. He is a forward. Saying one of the best players on the planet can't play his natural position is just crazy. It's okay to just come to terms with being wrong bro. Noone cares about it. Digging deeper on something as silly as this one is a bold move cotton.

You got no clue what you're talking about so you're desperately tring to deflect.
The game is starting, you should watch it for a change.

[PhantomDashCam]

how about:

-playing on a team with a real center behind him
-playing for an organisation with great culture
-not having to be the first option
-having Pop around
-being close to Austin to promote his WNBA expansion team
-contending
-mentoring young players
-not getting much media attention and just being able to hoop

KD had a lot of these things with GS…and I believe it was part of the reason he left (not being considered an Alpha, clashing with Draymond etc).
Anywhere KD goes too (and especially a team with Wemby on it) is going to garner media attention.

I’m on board with KD as well overall, just acknowledging, in the case of Wemby, that sometimes you may not want to meet your idols/heroes…

[objective]

Phoenix allegedly working to trade for a guy with a mystery debilitating illness is something else

[Dverde]

Spurs should extend Harrison Barnes and end all this KD drama. I’d rather have him at a much lower number for three years than paying KD 150M or whatever he wants. Keep the cap flexibility. Extending elder KD may backfire so bad that he becomes our untradeable Bradley Beal contract.

[Mnky]

You got no clue what you're talking about so you're desperately tring to deflect.
The game is starting, you should watch it for a change.

I share facts. You share emojis. We are not the same.

[LeBowen]

I share facts. You share emojis. We are not the same.

Fucking retard I literally pointed out the facts that KD has been playing as PF for 5 fucking years.
If I say he's too slow, that means he can't play SF on defense. Offensive roles are fluid, anyway.

Would you have SF KD defend Nesmith or Williams, because that would happen if we had a legit PF like let's say John Collins.
Dumb retard wasting my time on explaining basic shit.

[RC_Drunkford]

he's one of KD's closest friends

1934736425779642370

[ace3g]

https://x.com/KellyIko/status/1934795907603771803


The Spurs, league sources say, have been conservative in their pursuit of Durant.


But amid their most recent round of talks with Phoenix, the Timberwolves were made aware that he prefers to play elsewhere — specifically, league sources say, the Spurs.

[Dejounte]

Sounds like he’s coming here

[benefactor]

Brian Wright is a patient assassin, and patience is what will get this deal done.

[djohn2oo8]

The Suns are idiots. Just take the damn deal or watch it get worse.

[RC_Drunkford]

Heat offer is apparently just Wiggins, Duncan Robinson, #20 and Heat 29 first

[SpursFan86]

Seems like it’s confirmed that we’re the #1 choice. I feel like he’s coming here tbh…unless Wright is just trying to pull an absolute fleece-job and is refusing to even give up 14 or something :lol

[SpursFan86]

Heat offer is apparently just Wiggins, Duncan Robinson, #20 and Heat 29 first

That seems better than Vassell/Barnes/14, no?

[RC_Drunkford]

That seems better than Vassell/Barnes/14, no?

not really. Spurs can always throw in something. Besides KD wants to come here and no matter how much shit the Suns talk, they won't send him to a place he doesn't want to play at.

[dn0774]

That seems better than Vassell/Barnes/14, no?

Maybe we throw in some of our 372 second rounders to close the deal?

[spurraider21]

Really seems spurs are his first option. Now suns may still send him elsewhere but if it’s somewhere he doesn’t care about he could just join as a UFA one year later

if not is, hopefully he goes to minnesota and they bomb

[exstatic]

That seems better than Vassell/Barnes/14, no?

No. Picks in the20s are usually ass.

[cd98]

We should take the 14thout of the offer and give them our 2026 first round pick top5 protected.

[Seventyniner]

If KD is telling everyone he will only extend with the Spurs, that's the best case.

[exstatic]

We should take the 14thout of the offer and give them our 2026 first round pick top5 protected.

No. That pick has a swap attached. Lottery protected, maybe, not just top 5.

[Degoat]

I feel like we’re completely out guys lol like it’s personal for Phoenix since the spurs are refusing to add to the deal

[ace3g]

https://x.com/SpursInteracti1/status/1934798946624249936

[RC_Drunkford]

1934799879223529879

1934801276216164777

[Blizzardwizard]

https://x.com/KellyIko/status/1934795907603771803


damn that athletic article is practically lobbying for a durant-to-minnesota deal :lol


maybe it's PHX using national insiders to publicly pressure durant into changing his stance on going there.


it's been reported that MIN are prepared to offer more than the teams on KD's list. gobert/randle, divincenzo + picks is a solid offer and the best of what's probably on the table.


PHX want it but KD currently does not. guess we'll see which side blinks first.

[T Park]

One would think if Durant out and out says “I don’t want to be in Minnesota”

That to me would scare Minnesota a bit, but whatever

[Uriel]

Not so much geared towards you, ex, but you provide a good launching pad for this discussion.

Vecenie did a pretty thorough breakdown on the Bane trade on the most recent Game Theory Podcast, and I tend to agree with the valuation they came up with. KCP and Anthony were both upside down to the tune of what they estimate to be 1 FRP and 1 swap. So Bane essentially is worth 3 FRPs in this deal. We could also get into expected pick quality, as that is also a factor, but let's just leave it at that. There is also the matter of a pretty unique fit for Bane in what ORL is trying to do, which could drive some of their overpaying, but let's leave that aside as well.

So does Bane being worth 3 FRP give us some insight into what Vassell might be worth?

One consideration is something Sam and Brice discussed in the pod - the NBA seems to be sending clear messages through recent trade activity that there is a HIGH value placed on off-the-ball scorers who are positive defenders. See Bridges and now Bane. Less value placed upon non-defenders who need the ball in their hands more (see Ingram). If you are comparing Vassell to Bane or BI, he more closely resembles BI on the court than he does Bane (and to be clear, BI is still a better player on the court than Devin by almost every available perspective, except he's older and more expensive which is certainly a consideration).

I don't know where I'd rank him, but Vecenie and Brice claim Bane is a Top-6 3P shooter in the league, in a tier right behind Steph. Vassell is, at best, a slightly above average 3P shooter if we give him the benefit of the doubt on injuries impacting his %s (I believe he's only finished above league average from 3 once in his career, but I'd need to double check that).

There's a quite a bit of a drop off from Bane to Vassell. Especially when we consider the defensive end. Bane is a positive defender whereas Devin is a sieve. With that said, I would say that in light of the Bane deal, the Spurs *should* be able to convincingly value Devin at 1 FRP of similar quality to those in the Bane deal.

https://i.imgur.com/ia82Ywq.png

https://i.imgur.com/TmE4NJ1.png

https://i.imgur.com/pcdBLKp.png
Hey scott, where do you get your data? I wanna make similar graphs, but with different x and y variables.

[CGD]

So we have:

HOU: Green + Filler + 10
SAS: Dev + Barnes + 14
MIN: Gobert + Dilly? + 17?

[scott]

Hey scott, where do you get your data? I wanna make similar graphs, but with different x and y variables.

These are from the DARKO Historical Career Trajectory tool, not graphs I built.

https://apanalytics.shinyapps.io/DARKO/

[Jordan Jackson]

The Athletic is reporting his preference is Spurs.

Did not have Durant pulling a Fox and forcing the issue. Should be an entertaining next few hours.

[Uriel]

So what are the offers on the table right now? Is this correct:

Heat - Wiggins, Robinson, #20 and #29
Rockets - Green, #10
Spurs - Vassell, Barnes, #14, and 2nd round picks
TWolves - Gobert and DiVicenzo

[dn0774]

Lots of smoke right now, feels like this happens in the next 24 hours.

[T Park]

It feels kind of similar to the Fox situation.

However that was more “spurs are the team” and no one else were reported to be in on it, plus Phoenix seems more dickish

[spurraider21]

Athletic article feels like a letter to durant begging him to want to go to Minnesota

[PopTheGOAT]

If they’re waiting for KD to “change his mind” on MIN, I wouldn’t bet on that lol.

I’d imagine the MIN offer is contingent on him agreeing to sign an extension.

[couchman]

We'll see if the Suns cave or not.
Their owner is directly involved, which means the owner's ego is directly involved.

Ishbia seems to think he's a genius who is going to turn the Suns around by doing "things very differently than most other NBA franchises.”
He also recently told his staff, “I will be extremely active in the decisions and management of this organization, on and off the floor.

I suspect Durant wanted only SA at the start and the Suns convinced him to open it up to the Rockets and Heat.
That hasn't worked and so Durant seems to be back on his SA preference.

We'll see if the owner is willing to take a lopsided deal now to avoid an even worse situation with Durant if they don't trade him.

[PopTheGOAT]

I know KD is saying he prefers the Spurs, but it sounds like a “I prefer the Spurs but Houston and Miami are cool too” rather than a “send me to San Antonio.” I think it’d need to be the latter for him to end up here tbh.

[dn0774]

I know KD is saying he prefers the Spurs, but it sounds like a “I prefer the Spurs but Houston and Miami are cool too” rather than a “send me to San Antonio.” I think it’d need to be the latter for him to end up here tbh.

If they are going to push him to consider Minny he can push back by saying only Spurs. The Suns are trying to keep it civil for the sake of other relationships seems like.

[CGD]

My sense is Suns have Spurs best offer, Spurs have made clear there isn’t much wiggle, and Suns are doing a last push to see if Houston will return their picks to top the offer. Houston holdout the line, but I think they’ll end up with the winning deal.

[T Park]

If I was Houston I wouldn’t include it.

Phoenix is crashing to earth and not getting any better.

Zero reason to trade those platinum assets

[rascal]

Don't want him.
Rather keep developing the young core now, draft Harper and 14 and trade Vassell for more frontline help.

Keep building with the high lottery draft picks and you will see a turnaround like OKC has done. They haven't made moves for aging veterans.

Spurs will get there in a couple of years without Durant.

Don't want a player who is a team jumper who has taken two other teams down the drain, Brooklyn and Phoenix have done nothing with a younger Durant.

[Mr. Body]

I know KD is saying he prefers the Spurs, but it sounds like a “I prefer the Spurs but Houston and Miami are cool too” rather than a “send me to San Antonio.” I think it’d need to be the latter for him to end up here tbh.

I keep saying it because it's true.

Durant wants:

1. An extension
2. No income tax state

And probably

3. Warm weather

[spurraider21]

I keep saying it because it's true.

Durant wants:

1. An extension
2. No income tax state

And probably

3. Warm weather
Durant also apprently wanted to go the Knicks. They have income tax and cold weather

[Ariel]

I think that's where they came up with 1 FRP and 1 Swap for the combination of KCP and Anthony being underwater. They estimated together they are about $30MM under water in market value. Would you pay a swap to dump Cole? Probably not. But you might not be able to dump KCP with just 1 FRP... so the swap gets you the rest of the way with KCP and for Cole. It sounds about right to me.
I think that is a bit exaggerated, when trading a player it's rare to send him entirely into cap space / exception, usually getting back matching expirings is considered neutral, not negative. Here Cole Anthony is expiring (has a team option 2nd year which will surely be declined), and KCP has a 2nd year that is player option at 21.6 million, he probably picks it up but if they can play him in a smaller role where he can regain his effectiveness then he's probably overpaid but playable, and he might in turn be sent as neutral filler in a year. So I'd say it's probably something similar to eating one year 12 million or so and the estimation of 1 FRP + 1 swap sounds like too much, especially not unprotected picks and even less with swaps attached, like Orlando's 26 FRP. I'd say the cost of this is probably closer to the swap they sent, making the price for Bane himself closer to 4 FRP flat, maybe a bit less, but still significant.

[rascal]

Durant also apprently wanted to go the Knicks. They have income tax and cold weather

It's not that Cold.

[Mr. Body]

Durant also apprently wanted to go the Knicks. They have income tax and cold weather

Not sure I believe that. Dude's after his money.

[vy65]

1934815384378454167

[couchman]

Anytime the Knicks have been mentioned in connection with Durant I’ve just assumed it’s for clicks and not based in reality

[BatManu20]

KD's camp using The Athletic to push the Spurs is wild. 2 years in a row they've done this for the Spurs now. These types of things never used to happen for us. What a time to be alive tbh.

1934804155136397615

[Ditty]

Where is TIMVP with the insiders information of the Spurs offer? :cry :cry :cry

[PopTheGOAT]

1934815384378454167
Damn :lol

[sfernald]

Not so much geared towards you, ex, but you provide a good launching pad for this discussion.

Vecenie did a pretty thorough breakdown on the Bane trade on the most recent Game Theory Podcast, and I tend to agree with the valuation they came up with. KCP and Anthony were both upside down to the tune of what they estimate to be 1 FRP and 1 swap. So Bane essentially is worth 3 FRPs in this deal. We could also get into expected pick quality, as that is also a factor, but let's just leave it at that. There is also the matter of a pretty unique fit for Bane in what ORL is trying to do, which could drive some of their overpaying, but let's leave that aside as well.

So does Bane being worth 3 FRP give us some insight into what Vassell might be worth?

One consideration is something Sam and Brice discussed in the pod - the NBA seems to be sending clear messages through recent trade activity that there is a HIGH value placed on off-the-ball scorers who are positive defenders. See Bridges and now Bane. Less value placed upon non-defenders who need the ball in their hands more (see Ingram). If you are comparing Vassell to Bane or BI, he more closely resembles BI on the court than he does Bane (and to be clear, BI is still a better player on the court than Devin by almost every available perspective, except he's older and more expensive which is certainly a consideration).

I don't know where I'd rank him, but Vecenie and Brice claim Bane is a Top-6 3P shooter in the league, in a tier right behind Steph. Vassell is, at best, a slightly above average 3P shooter if we give him the benefit of the doubt on injuries impacting his %s (I believe he's only finished above league average from 3 once in his career, but I'd need to double check that).

There's a quite a bit of a drop off from Bane to Vassell. Especially when we consider the defensive end. Bane is a positive defender whereas Devin is a sieve. With that said, I would say that in light of the Bane deal, the Spurs *should* be able to convincingly value Devin at 1 FRP of similar quality to those in the Bane deal.

https://i.imgur.com/ia82Ywq.png

https://i.imgur.com/TmE4NJ1.png

https://i.imgur.com/pcdBLKp.png

I would also argue that they get extra value for Bane cause they can loan him out to Universal Orlando Jurassic Park during the off-season.

[Uriel]

1934815384378454167

Damn :lol
I don’t get it. What did Shams want to say?

[cutewizard]

Gentlemen, if we dont get Durant, what are the next most viable moves to strengthen our roster?

[cutewizard]

All this Durant talk is stressing me out, hoho

[objective]

I think the implication is that Shams wanted to say, "yes" as in "yes that's why he'll be a Spur"??? He seemed to be nodding, but these guys have people in their earpieces giving them directions or notes or whatever at all times, any particular look or body language could be a response to a producer telling him when he'll speak next or the until commercial, etc

[vy65]

I don’t get it. What did Shams want to say?

I’m not entirely sure either. I found Shumpert’s response more interesting, but he might be click baiting

[PopTheGOAT]

I’m not entirely sure either. I found Shumpert’s response more interesting, but he might be click baiting
Could be clickbait but his reposts on X imply he knows Shams is withholding info about KD to Spurs. I’ve seen people say Shams and Ishbia are friends so he might be biting his tongue on some things to help him out.

[lefty]

It's not that Cold.
But it’s fucking humid

[lefty]

I don’t get it. What did Shams want to say?

“Duncan is a cuck”

[DPG21920]

IMO HOU still has best offer - Green likely has more value than Vassell and pick 10 > pick 14. If HOU can re-route Green to a team that values him (say BKY) and get more assets to send to PHX then I think HOU makes most sense.

Would BKY do: Cam + Claxton + 27 for Green + 3 2nds? If so PHX Gets: Cam + Claxton + 10 + 27, HOU Gets: KD and BKY Gets: Jalen Green + 3 2nds

Not sure Jalens value - that’s probably the fulcrum here.

[dubross]

My sense is Suns have Spurs best offer, Spurs have made clear there isn’t much wiggle, and Suns are doing a last push to see if Houston will return their picks to top the offer. Houston holdout the line, but I think they’ll end up with the winning deal.

Houston is definitely holding the line, they want Devin Booker. They are
playing the long game. Putting pressure on PHX to eventually blow it up and then give them their 27 pick, 29 swap back along with other draft assets mixed with players.

[DPG21920]

Saw a good trade:

CHI Gets: Keldon + Branham + 2 2nds (38 this year from SA + NOP 2nd next year from SA)

PHX Gets: Vucevic + Vassell + 14 from Spurs

SA Gets: KD

PHX gets their vet Center who can help some now plus a good young player and good pick.

CHI finally gets something out of Vuc in the form of Keldon + 2 2nds

SA has to give up Dev + Keldon + 14 and 2 2nds (to dump Branham) but keeps it at that and gets KD (while adding Harper still and keeping Sochan + Castle)

[RC_Drunkford]

Since it has been rumored that a KD to the Spurs deal was done last week, I assume all this media hype is just there to make the Suns look like they are trying? And at the end of it all they sending him to San Antonio

[Mnky]

Fucking retard I literally pointed out the facts that KD has been playing as PF for 5 fucking years.
If I say he's too slow, that means he can't play SF on defense. Offensive roles are fluid, anyway.

Would you have SF KD defend Nesmith or Williams, because that would happen if we had a legit PF like let's say John Collins.
Dumb retard wasting my time on explaining basic shit.

He made all NBA a year ago at SF. Still just making things up.

Cheers lil bro. Done with ya.

[LeBowen]

He made all NBA a year ago at SF. Still just making things up.

:lmao
Are you completely braindead?
Their 23-24 starting lineup was Beal/Booker/Allen/KD/Nurkic, with Gordon, Okogie and O'Neale starting some games when Beal got hurt.
Are you trying to tell me KD wasn't the PF in those lineups.

Try to find any game where KD matched up with the smaller of the two forwards or the opposing team. Or should I even say with the more perimeter oriented forward.
He's still a good defender at PF, but he can't keep up with SFs.

Let's say we get Fox/Castle/KD/John Collins/Wemby lineup and we're playing SGA/Dort/Williams/Chet/Hartenstein.
How do you match that up?
Collins is too slow to guard SF and too small to guard C.
You think KD would be able to keep up with Williams?
Or you want to put KD on Dort and have either Williams or SGA abuse Fox?

Are you braindead? You're just straight up lying and trying to present your shit as facts.

[Mnky]

1934815384378454167

Think this is one of the unappreciated things for older athletes as well. The new training facility the Spurs built is legitimately state of the art. There's no better place in the NBA designed to lengthen players careers.

Durant clearly wants the Spurs as a top choice. Him staying quiet is prolly his end trying to gain favor in those pursuits. Suns have a lot of decisions to make going forward. Taking their due diligence likely due to who might fall in the draft or who might cave to a ransom.

We will see how it plays out. Can't wait to hear from Durant after the trade and see what he thinks about the outcome whichever it may be.

[SupremeGuy]

We don't have to agree to an extension, correct? One year rental and let's see how much he wants to let the young guys grow.

I've been repeating it but Wemby and Durant front court has the potential to be one of the greatest defensive front courts of all time.

[RC_Drunkford]

We don't have to agree to an extension, correct? One year rental and let's see how much he wants to let the young guys grow.

I've been repeating it but Wemby and Durant front court has the potential to be one of the greatest defensive front courts of all time.

If he comes here he will get the extension. That's the whole part why he's shutting down other teams and telling them he won't sign there. He'll also give us a slight discount.

[RC_Drunkford]

:lmao


Try to find any game where KD matched up with the smaller of the two forwards or the opposing team. Or should I even say with the more perimeter oriented forward.
He's still a good defender at PF, but he can't keep up with SFs.

Let's say we get Fox/Castle/KD/John Collins/Wemby lineup and we're playing SGA/Dort/Williams/Chet/Hartenstein.
How do you match that up?
Collins is too slow to guard SF and too small to guard C.
You think KD would be able to keep up with Williams?
Or you want to put KD on Dort and have either Williams or SGA abuse Fox?



you are making shit up

1767596766893928499

KD is guarding Clarkson, SGA, Doncic, Russell and a bunch of SFs in these clips, but of course you gon somehow spin this into "he's lost all of his mobility within 1 year" for the love of Harrison Barnes. His length gives him plenty of room for error and enough ability to recover. Saying he can't guard 3s is idiotic.

[cutewizard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27CqVAKHfKM

[cutewizard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwb4Y8lDaP8

[rascal]

IMO HOU still has best offer - Green likely has more value than Vassell and pick 10 > pick 14. If HOU can re-route Green to a team that values him (say BKY) and get more assets to send to PHX then I think HOU makes most sense.

Would BKY do: Cam + Claxton + 27 for Green + 3 2nds? If so PHX Gets: Cam + Claxton + 10 + 27, HOU Gets: KD and BKY Gets: Jalen Green + 3 2nds

Not sure Jalens value - that’s probably the fulcrum here.

I agree Houston can put together a better package than the Spurs are willing to. KD most likely will go to Houston as Houston will give just enough to get a deal done.

[couchman]

This really feels like a no lose situation as long as Wright doesn’t budge.
We either get KD on a sweetheart deal or we keep building around Wemby & Fox with some great developmental pieces in Castle Harper Sochan et al.

If we really want the Durant deal we should involve a third team to make the Suns’ return more palatable.
The Suns need to save face while eating a shit sandwich and to convince themselves that this is a good deal.
The Suns really want 2FRP so maybe we trade down #14 with Brooklyn to get two later FRP in the deal or something similar to that.

[LeBowen]

KD is guarding Clarkson, SGA, Doncic, Russell and a bunch of SFs in these clips, but of course you gon somehow spin this into "he's lost all of his mobility within 1 year" for the love of Harrison Barnes. His length gives him plenty of room for error and enough ability to recover. Saying he can't guard 3s is idiotic.

Now give me a highlight video of one specific game with a dozen defensive possessions against those quick players.
Much like Lebron, he can do it for a stretch, but you can't expect him to chase players around all game long and he shouldn't do it.

He'd be very good at PF as weakside help and an occasional 1v1 defender, there aren't many PFs in the West that can bully him.

[Atl Spur]

you are making shit up

1767596766893928499

KD is guarding Clarkson, SGA, Doncic, Russell and a bunch of SFs in these clips, but of course you gon somehow spin this into "he's lost all of his mobility within 1 year" for the love of Harrison Barnes. His length gives him plenty of room for error and enough ability to recover. Saying he can't guard 3s is idiotic.

A proud dad moment! Look at you leaning on facts based responses:) Bravo to you sir!

[Mr. Body]

Saw a good trade:

CHI Gets: Keldon + Branham + 2 2nds (38 this year from SA + NOP 2nd next year from SA)

PHX Gets: Vucevic + Vassell + 14 from Spurs

SA Gets: KD

PHX gets their vet Center who can help some now plus a good young player and good pick.

CHI finally gets something out of Vuc in the form of Keldon + 2 2nds

SA has to give up Dev + Keldon + 14 and 2 2nds (to dump Branham) but keeps it at that and gets KD (while adding Harper still and keeping Sochan + Castle)

I actually like this trade and think it mostly makes sense for everybody. The question is whether the Suns like Vucevic. They probably want more splash.

Keldon would be great for a Bulls team that needs toughness and Branham might look better in a different setting. Just feels like Phoenix needs a little more.

[CorrectCrusader]

It's clear the suns were using the Wolves, Rockets, Heat to goad more assets from the spurs. Doesn't look like it worked and now KDs camp is trying to force the envelope.

[onechance87]

It's clear the suns were using the Wolves, Rockets, Heat to goad more assets from the spurs. Doesn't look like it worked and now KDs camp is trying to force the envelope.

come home kd

[Leetonidas]

Goldsberry reporting the Suns want #2 and Castle for KD :lol this is not a serious franchise

[Kindergarten Cop]

Goldsberry reporting the Suns want #2 and Castle for KD :lol this is not a serious franchise

AND?!?!?!?!?

I agree, not serious in the least.

[Spurs9]

Goldsberry reporting the Suns want #2 and Castle for KD :lol this is not a serious franchise

Yeah they arent getting either.

[CorrectCrusader]

Goldsberry reporting the Suns want #2 and Castle for KD :lol this is not a serious franchise

Kings wanted Castle too.

[scottspurs]

Kevin Pelton from ESPN just dropped and insider piece with information on the Spurs.

He says the Spurs offer for Durant is Harrison Barnes, Keldon Johnson, Blake Wesley, Malaki Branham, pick 14 and 2027 hawks 1st

He says the Spurs value Devin Vassell’s shooting and that they would like to keep him or he may be involved in another transaction.

[scottspurs]

He states that and alternative plan could be the Nets Cam Johnson for a similar deal but with less assets

[scottspurs]

He says that the Spurs would have been in the Giannis Market but that is dead for now.