Yes they are, at $4 million above the luxury tax line (about $81 million). They signed and traded for Ariza, and used the MLE on Papanikolaou and Nick Johnson. They are hard capped.
I really hope we can hold onto DMo. The problem with trading him is that you open up two holes....backup PF and backup Center. He's has proven to be adept at both. If DMo is going out, I want a 3 way trade that brings in a PF/C along with Dragic.
http://grantland.com/the-triangle/the-nbas-western-conference-power-rankings/ The Suns will be on the hunt for some help, but they should prioritize next season and beyond in talking deadline deals. Teams will call about all of their point guards, but the feeling around the league is that Phoenix would be most open to moving Thomas.
Agree. IMO I think that if we get Smith we should just run with the players we got. I don't see the point of trading DMo/NO picks for Dragic. Having that combo of Howard/DMo/Smith and possibly TJones is solid. I may be in the minority but I don't think we should trade DMo for Dragic. (This opinion though is based on the fact we get Smith.)
PHX would love to move IT, but does anyone want him at that contract? I am dubious. On the other hand, Dragic might have a few suitors!
You don't think that's already been offered? Suns are holding out for real young talent like Monti and Canaaaan
What PHX wants to do is a very different issue than what Dragic wants to do. What he wants will determine what PHX can and is willing to do. Looks like the PO is coming back to bite PHX now...
It's not horrible, but it isn't enticing either. He is on the books for 3 more years after this one at 7+. 5'9" scoring PG. When he was on his rookie scale contract it was a good value play, but now? Not so much. Teams will have other priorities.
I don't know the answer to this question and so I really wonder this: With Dragic, Rondo, Jackson, Knight, and Bev being FA's this summer, what does that do to the trade value of IT? Since GM's know that there are perhaps some better options that will require not trading any assets, how does that affect the value of IT as a player and that contract? My suspicion is it doesn't get PHX much knowing the options out there and the bind they are in with Dragic going into FA.
The only trade rumor that I have heard regarding IT that makes any sense at all was the IT for Taj Gibson rumor that floated a couple weeks back. That probably makes sense for PHX. Don't know how much sense it makes for CHI. However............I really don't think trading IT fixes a thing in PHX with Goran. Because the rub with Goran has to do with Bledsoe running the offense, not IT. It's about Bledsoe having the ball ALL THE TIME NOW when Goran and Bledsoe are in the game together instead of them splitting possessions up top.
Trade rumor of my interpretationing: IT to C's. A 4 back. Sullinger. I cannot see Bulls trading off Gibson (tho I'd take him in a NYMinute) without some terrible injury forcing their hand. As for GD, if McDonough were to offer a trade of IT (or EB) if Dragic were to agree to a July deal (verbally) I suspect he just might respond in the affirmative.
One thing to consider is how many teams have a reasonable chance to still be standing in June. To grab at that, perhaps before Cavs become a super team, or every free agent worth a whit signs with Knixies and/or Lakes, or or or, is value for giving an asset or two for someone who makes June more feasible.
No. Celts aren't giving up a front court big for an undersized point guard making over half-a-max salary. Celts already have Bradley signed and they're giving the keys to Marcus Smart.
We need more info on the Suns. Where did the insider who's friends with Jason Smith & Nene's wife go?
Yes. What a team prefers to do is not always what the team ends up doing. I would prefer the Rockets to have Kevin Durant before the deadline but that's not happening.
