The Knicks and Hart are likely exploring him opting in next year along with a contract extension. If they can't agree on thag he probably just becomes a free agent and explores an entirely new deal.
The local talkers down here vacilate between there is no market for Ayton to Vogel is a defensive minded coach and really wants to work with Ayton. The problem is, Ayton wants to be a bigger offensive part of the team. He wants to put up 25/12. Can't do that in Phoenix. He could do that on a rebuilding team. Phoenix just wants depth for him. They want to break that contract into 2 or 3 different role players, obviously with size coming back.
From having him as a foundational piece of a dynasty lg team, I've watched a good amount of Ayton over the last couple seasons. When he's engaged and fed, he can be dominant. When he isn't, he floats through entire games. BUT, like I've said elsewhere, at worst, when floating, he's a more athletic, better scheme-fitting, consistently healthier, younger version of Nurk's production. Really think an Ant + Nurk for Ayton has to be seriously considered by all sides. Whether Ayton moves the needle for Dame or not, he's young/productive enough to fit either timeline and if we move on from Dame, Ayton could easily get that kind of attention, which would either help his development into a true franchise talent, OR elevate his trade stock while we're rebuilding. I don't see nearly the risk in him that others do...
I am pretty much in agreement with you. I live down here in Tempe so I am dialed in on the Suns as well. A Portland/Phoenix trade for Ayton would need a third team to take on Ant. I don't see them needing Ant after adding Beal to Booker and Durant. I could be wrong but they would like Ant's contract broken down to a couple of role players.
FA options that would interet me: PJ Washington Jaxson Hayes Harrison Barnes Darius Bazley (how is that dude STILL only 23?!?) Dillon Brooks (I know, I know... but douchy players are only douchy when they're not your douchy players!)
For sure, I didn't bother including him for the same reasons I didn't include James Harden, I just don't think we have a chance at getting him -- his playoff performance earned that man a TON of money...
But unlike Harden, you don't necessarily need cap space or his rights to get him. I think he will be had for MLE money. There aren't enough teams with cap space to pay him more imo.
You could be right. We almost had him last year so there's certainly a chance. I'm just projecting him to get better offers than what we'll be able to offer. Would be nice though!
Bruce Brown is essentially the same size as Scoot Henderson. (6.3.5 barefoot, 6.9" wing, and 202 lbs) Is that really who you want to spend all of the MLE on? Not saying he is not good, but I think the goal is to get bigger.
Didn't he sometimes finish games for Denver playing SF? If he's only a SG, I would still bring him in. Shae can always swing up to get some minutes at SF and we're assuming Ant will be traded.
I think we just roll with Thybulle and use the MLE for size. Plus we have Rupert, who although probably won't play much this year, could surprise us.
Bruce has shown to not be the liability that Matisse can be. I think because he's so much better than whatever is left at other positions, you go for him. But I guess what we do with Ant/Nurk will probably dictate that.
Brown is better, I am not debating that. But if the goal is to play Shae at SG then he won't even want to come here unless we paid him more than anyone else......and we can't. Giving him our whole MLE would be like picking up GP2 all over again. We need size more.
I would address our size deficiencies via our trade exceptions. Brown was a key ingredient to winning a ring for the Nuggets. Getting him would beat great signal to Dame. Shae will get minutes at SF regardless of this signing. And pointing to a 19 year old rookie who didn't have an amazing season in New Zealand is not a legitimate reason to go after Brown.
