Thad Young Questions

[Chinook]

It looked like Pop responded to Young's words and played him in the rotation against Portland when he probably intended to give Eubanks the minutes (with it being a homecoming for Drew and all). For the first time as a Spur, Young really seemed to be pressing when he was on the court too. He didn't pick his spots as well and called his own number a bit more than he normally would. As much as I agree Young should just be in the rotation, it was kind of a move for him to make his frustrations apparently when he did. Drew probably had friends and family there, and he was left desperately trying to score in garbage time.

We'll see where it goes from here. As I've said before, Young could probably play a 20-24 MPG role on the team with the current group of players. If the Spurs want to win games this year, they should give him those minutes and not worry about guys like Collins and Landale. But not making a clear decision on him and Drew is likely to rub both players in a way that isn't great for chemistry. In theory, Young is a good fit on the Bulls, and it's a shame for him that he got moved because the teams couldn't agree on a Markkanen trade. But at the same time, I don't regret the Spurs not having Lauri on a big deal instead of a first and Young. They'll have to figure it out.

[emanueldavidginobili]

This is a ESPN+ article "Five big trades that could shake up the NBA playoff picture"

Phoenix Suns bolster their frontcourt

Phoenix receives:

• Thaddeus Young

San Antonio receives:

• Dario Saric
  
• Jalen Smith
  
• 2024 first-round pick (top-eight protected)
  
• 2025 second-round pick

Bobby Marks: The Suns have a league-best 18-3 record, but they should not take a conservative approach with their roster. Yes, it is important not to disrupt team chemistry, but Phoenix can find a working balance on improving the team without trading any of its starters or rotational players.
While Saric was a key component last year, the forward tore his right ACL in the NBA Finals, and he is likely out for the entire 2021-22 season. He is under contract for next season but on a team-friendly $9.2 million contract. Smith was taken in the top 10 of the 2020 NBA Draft but recently saw the third-year option in his contract declined.
Young would not only give Phoenix another veteran presence but one who can play either forward position and provides an insurance policy at the backup center position. He is averaging a career-low 15.7 minutes this season for the retooling Spurs, but he has still managed to average 7.3 points and shoot 59.6% from the field.
Considering that Young is the top trade target of playoff teams, the cost to acquire him is rich in draft assets and less in players. The Suns owe Oklahoma City a first-round pick in 2022 from the Chris Paul trade and cannot send out a first-round pick until 2024. The pick would have top-eight protection in the next three seasons (2024, 2025 and 2026) and would turn into second-round picks in 2026 and 2027 if it is not conveyed.

[Chinook]

Would take that but would have to include Eubanks for salary-matching purposes. If the Spurs included Collins, the Suns could probably keep that second.

[KingKev]

Would take that but would have to include Eubanks for salary-matching purposes. If the Spurs included Collins, the Suns could probably keep that second.

Why would we include Collins and give up the second? Just to shed his salary?

[exstatic]

Smith sucks, and Saric is on the shelf. Phoenix would love this, because it takes us out of the running to drop an offer for Ayton.

[Mr. Body]

This is a ESPN+ article "Five big trades that could shake up the NBA playoff picture"

Phoenix Suns bolster their frontcourt

Phoenix receives:

• Thaddeus Young

San Antonio receives:

• Dario Saric
  
• Jalen Smith
  
• 2024 first-round pick (top-eight protected)
  
• 2025 second-round pick

Bobby Marks: The Suns have a league-best 18-3 record, but they should not take a conservative approach with their roster. Yes, it is important not to disrupt team chemistry, but Phoenix can find a working balance on improving the team without trading any of its starters or rotational players.
While Saric was a key component last year, the forward tore his right ACL in the NBA Finals, and he is likely out for the entire 2021-22 season. He is under contract for next season but on a team-friendly $9.2 million contract. Smith was taken in the top 10 of the 2020 NBA Draft but recently saw the third-year option in his contract declined.
Young would not only give Phoenix another veteran presence but one who can play either forward position and provides an insurance policy at the backup center position. He is averaging a career-low 15.7 minutes this season for the retooling Spurs, but he has still managed to average 7.3 points and shoot 59.6% from the field.
Considering that Young is the top trade target of playoff teams, the cost to acquire him is rich in draft assets and less in players. The Suns owe Oklahoma City a first-round pick in 2022 from the Chris Paul trade and cannot send out a first-round pick until 2024. The pick would have top-eight protection in the next three seasons (2024, 2025 and 2026) and would turn into second-round picks in 2026 and 2027 if it is not conveyed.

I like how ESPN pretends this isn't something people have been talking about since August.

[Mr. Body]

Smith sucks, and Saric is on the shelf. Phoenix would love this, because it takes us out of the running to drop an offer for Ayton.

Why would the Spurs offer Ayton?

[KingKev]

Any offer involving a FRP needs to be taken on site even if it means taking on a contract like Saric’s. San Antonio is probably the worst place for Jalen Smith to get a fresh start though.

[Chinook]

Why would we include Collins and give up the second? Just to shed his salary?

Yeah, from the Spurs' perspective, they're only taking on the difference between Collins' 2022 salary and Saric's. I don't think there's a realistic chance that the Spurs waive Zach. That's not true for Phoenix, so they can save plenty of money. Saric is a good player, but the Spurs don't need a bunch of centers for another year in a row. Saric basically becomes Young for next year, though the Spurs can certainly try him at PF.

[Chinook]

Smith sucks, and Saric is on the shelf. Phoenix would love this, because it takes us out of the running to drop an offer for Ayton.

I don't think the Suns would love to give up a first-rounder at all. I also doubt the Spurs have a ton of interest in Ayton with Poeltl's play. That Phoenix might actually think that would be good leverage for the Spurs to exploit in a trade.

[KingKev]

I don't think the Suns would love to give up a first-rounder at all. I also doubt the Spurs have a ton of interest in Ayton with Poeltl's play. That Phoenix might actually think that would be good leverage for the Spurs to exploit in a trade.

They need that cheap first round labour. If they max Ayton this offseason they will have ~100mm tied up between Paul, Booker and Ayton and no FRP in 2022 and have given up on their 2020 in Smith so FRPs become more valuable to them to fill out that roster.

[BackHome]

If I am the Suns I am going all in as I think this year is make or break for them - Paul is getting long in the tooth as he goes so does this team. I would do it and then play Smith and either keep him or trade him and do the same with Saric the following year.

That would give us an extra pick in 2024 with Chicago or 2025 and then add Suns number 1 pick in 2024 not to bad as future

[Degoat]

I wish the spurs could acquire a big wing in a Thad young trade if a first rounder isn’t going to be offered

[Seventyniner]

I wish the spurs could acquire a big wing in a Thad young trade if a first rounder isn’t going to be offered

I'd want a PF, but I don't think Jalen Smith is the answer.

[BackHome]

Besides a trade with Suns who else does it look like might bite on a trade for Young?

[Degoat]

Besides a trade with Suns who else does it look like might bite on a trade for Young?

Just off the top of my head I feel like maybe the Celtics or Knicks, maybe some outside teams trying to make the playoffs like the kings, timberwolves, hornets

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

Considering that Young is the top trade target of playoff teams, the cost to acquire him is rich in draft assets and less in players.

I hope Bobby Marks is right about this, but I find it highly unlikely. Looking at the rosters and the available picks there are very few contenders that'd need an undersized back up center and the ones who could really use him ( Brooklyn, Golden State, Chicago ) don't have the contracts or picks to make a deal work.

That said, I'm not sure the Spurs would value late first round picks as much as us message board folks do. If they have plans for the cap space they might have next summer I don't think they'd blow it on the chance they'll have a 25th pick or something 3 years from now. Like, I'm pretty sure they see more value in McDermott, for example, compared to a late pick.

On the specific trade, I'd do it right away because I don't know of their cap space plans and because I've always liked Saric and think he could actually be an asset.

[exstatic]

I'd want a PF, but I don't think Jalen Smith is the answer.

Neither do the Suns, which is why they’re trying to trade for one. What a huge miss for Phoenix. Top 10 pick, and after his rookie year, they don’t pick up his option for year 3.

[exstatic]

I hope Bobby Marks is right about this, but I find it highly unlikely. Looking at the rosters and the available picks there are very few contenders that'd need an undersized back up center and the ones who could really use him ( Brooklyn, Golden State, Chicago ) don't have the contracts or picks to make a deal work.

That said, I'm not sure the Spurs would value late first round picks as much as us message board folks do. If they have plans for the cap space they might have next summer I don't think they'd blow it on the chance they'll have a 25th pick or something 3 years from now. Like, I'm pretty sure they see more value in McDermott, for example, compared to a late pick.

On the specific trade, I'd do it right away because I don't know of their cap space plans and because I've always liked Saric and think he could actually be an asset.

Saric passes the eye test, but his advanced stats are meh, meaning he won’t really help you.

[Degoat]

Something has to be really off with Jalen Smith other then his play, you don’t give up on a top 10 pick after one year. He was raw coming out of college to start with.

[emanueldavidginobili]

I hope Bobby Marks is right about this, but I find it highly unlikely. Looking at the rosters and the available picks there are very few contenders that'd need an undersized back up center and the ones who could really use him ( Brooklyn, Golden State, Chicago ) don't have the contracts or picks to make a deal work.

That said, I'm not sure the Spurs would value late first round picks as much as us message board folks do. If they have plans for the cap space they might have next summer I don't think they'd blow it on the chance they'll have a 25th pick or something 3 years from now. Like, I'm pretty sure they see more value in McDermott, for example, compared to a late pick.

On the specific trade, I'd do it right away because I don't know of their cap space plans and because I've always liked Saric and think he could actually be an asset.

I agree, I will be surprised if the Spurs can get a 1st round pick for Thad. I just don't see it happening, I just hope they can get something and not resort to a buyout.

[Seventyniner]

I agree, I will be surprised if the Spurs can get a 1st round pick for Thad. I just don't see it happening, I just hope they can get something and not resort to a buyout.

If the Spurs really do end up trading for Simmons, Thad could net a first in that his inclusion means sending out one fewer first.

[exstatic]

I agree, I will be surprised if the Spurs can get a 1st round pick for Thad. I just don't see it happening, I just hope they can get something and not resort to a buyout.

Did you think we might get a first for DeRozan in a S&T?

[KingKev]

Did you think we might get a first for DeRozan in a S&T?

Absolutely. Few teams had cash to sign him outright. Knowing the guy you are getting is locked in for 4 years and riding yourself of at least one unwanted contract along the way is definitely worth the cost of a far out FRP.

[objective]

One potential trade I've been thinking about is Young to the Wolves

Ok the Dane Moore podcast (wolves focused) a few days ago with the frequent guest Wolves beat guy from the athletic, they were talking about wanting to trade for a big, kind of a Millsap type or a bruiser type. Nobody brought up Young, but he might be as close to a Millsap type as their is even though there's no three point shooting. Bruiser is subjective, but he could play with Towns spacing I'm sure and be an offensive hub off the bench considering Beverly is the back up point guard.

Young would be a very good fit I think for a team that is trying to make the playoffs. They probably wouldn't have a good chance to get him in a buyout over other teams so it's trade or nothing.

Minnesota is also only like 900k under the tax so that probably needs to be factored in.

Taurean Prince is expiring, so is Jake Layman, neither is key to their rotation. The podcast was not positive about Prince's performance.

Young+Eubanks for Prince+Layman+draft considerations keeps them out of the tax. Don't know if the Spurs would be comfortable going forward with only Poeltl, Jock and Zollins as their real bigs, but maybe Zollins is looking good in rehab.

For draft considerations, I'm thinking:

Wolves send lotto protected 22 first, and Spurs send back one of their 22 seconds, maybe even the Detroit pick. That functionally makes it between a 15-20 spot swap.
If the Wolves miss the playoffs, the Spurs send nothing and the Wolves send 2 seconds, one of their multiple ones this year and their own second next year.

An alternative they might be less interested in is to forget the picks and make it Young+Tre for Prince+Bolmaro. Don't know if they would be willing to part with Bolmaro, but maybe Gupta wasn't in love with him, and it was more of a Rosas pick

Just food for thought