They have to know that they can be traded any time. The team's been open about wanting a 3rd star, chased several in the summer, and just converted the Lin trade exception, Troy Daniels and 2nd round picks into Shved and Brewer right before the deadline for "flipping" these guys before the February trade deadline. The deeper bench guys have to know that Morey is always up to something and they may very well be included in a number of trade scenarios being discussed.
I think it is useful to compare the current PHO team with where the Rockets were a few years ago. Both have GMs that come from the Danny Ainge Celtics, where they went from going nowhere to winning a title by trading a bunch of assets for Ray Allen and KG. Both the Suns and the old Rockets have some talent but not enough to avoid getting stuck in 9th place or so in the West. Morey, back then, was just chasing any and every player that he considered elite and possibly attainable due to contract status or for whatever reason: Chris Bosh, Pau Gasol, Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, and who knows who else. He didn't care what position the guy plays because he was going to fit his team around that new star anyway. Phoenix is probably much the same way. They have some talented guys but are not getting anywhere with this roster. So, they are just waiting for the next superstar to shake loose and trying to get their paws on him. Not sure there is even a clear target right now. So, until such an opportunity presents itself, PHO, much like the Rockets are just going to keep gathering and flipping their assets to maximize and maintain the value of their stash.
Those that bash you for being the messenger don't deserve a 2nd thought. Thanks for the update, even though I would hate to loose Canaan.
Speaking to Carl's point, the Suns aren't going to just give away talent unless they absolutely feel as though they have no chance of resigning the player. They want to stockpile these assets and build a team that can compete, so look for them to package 1 or 2 of their PGs for a 'star.' The Rockets have additional assets that may help PHX nab their guy, and maybe we are rewarded with Dragic for the effort, but they don't really need us. It feels as though Morey is nullifying need for a second creator (Dragic) by building a team that will be great in transition.
It isn't quite that simple. Dragic is going to be a free agent and will get near max money. Resigning Dragic would really hinder them long term from a cap perspective. They would have money tied up in a 29 year old at near max dollars. Further he isn't resigning in Phoenix if Bledsoe and Thomas are there. The Suns don't want their entire cap space tied up in the players already on their team. If the Suns can some how move Bledsoe and another piece for a star in the next 50 days, then Dragic coming back makes sense. Still not sure what player will be available and not sure how much value Bledsoe has around the league.
Is Smith going to play here more than this season? (money? prove his production and fit with Howard?) Might want to keep the supply line of young bigs.
Interesting. I would be ok with that personally. Canaan has shown improvements and is offensively potent, but I don't think he fits that well especially with the second unit. In the short term, he is good insurance in case Terry goes down, but if Morey thinks Shved can handle the backup PG duties better, so be it.
The only thing with Shved is that he looked terrible on defense in his first game. I know, it's his first game without any practice, but his individual defense looked very bad due to his lack of speed and athleticism. Alas, if we get Dragic, we're talking about a spot minutes guy in the backcourt rotation. Hopefully, cyberx has time to elaborate a bit more. Not sure why he would get hated on. Maybe he thinks the Rockets aren't giving up much for Dragic even with DMo in the offer?
This makes a lot of sense given the circumstances. I can't think of any "Harden" types out there that teams are in a position to have to move but you never know when a situation like that might come up and like how the rockets did, it's best to have a stash of assets to deal. Picks are the easiest and most coveted in trade but have a shelf life before they turn into drafted rookies. I say if such a deal came about a NOP pick and NYK 2nd is helpful ammo. We can help facilitate a trade with those assets or PHX can just hold them for the right timing. But yeah they are actually stuck in a situation themselves having to move one of Dragic or Bledsoe and that article is telling in that Dragic falls out of the age range they're looking to build around. I'm sure they'd love to trade Dragic for that star potential player early to mid 20's but 1) no such player is available on the market 2) not many teams out there looking for a PG. Best move for them it to cash Dragic in now to get as much as they can as use those assets as currency for a player when one becomes available. Merry Christmas CF....
I'm not buying what Stein is selling. I don't doubt that Morey is quite capable of trading anyone on the team not named Harden or Howard, but I certainly doubt that he made a comment someone like Stein got wind of that he's willing to trade "anyone in the bottom third of the roster." Morey is better at keeping his thoughts to himself than any GM I can remember with the Rockets. In my humble opinion, Stein was looking for attention. Looks like he got what he desired.
I'm buying what Stein is selling. It was just a few days ago that people were dismissing Stein as Cuban's lackey when he said the Mavs would get Rondo for a package featuring Brandan Wright. "No way! Ainge would never do that! Stein is just stirring up crap for Cuban's benefit!" Plus, it could make sense for the Rockets depending on what else is going to happen.
Clearly Morey wants to make a trade now rather than cut a guy. My guess is that Cuban knows that like everyone else and gave stein that snippet to continue his attack on the rockets organization.
List of NBA Players who have been cut on Christmas Day... http://blogs.pacers.com/2014/12/24/sloan-knows-the-pain-of-a-christmas-cut/
