If they move Deandre Ayton this offseason, the Suns‘ preference would be to get multiple depth pieces in return rather than simply trading his contract to a cap-room team and acquiring a draft pick or two, John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 told Michael Scotto in the latest episode of the HoopsHype podcast.
As the Suns look to fill out their roster following the Bradley Beal blockbuster, they’ll also have interest in re-signing free agents like Jock Landale, Josh Okogie, and Torrey Craig, according to Gambadoro, though he says T.J. Warren is expected to be let go. Scotto confirms that Landale and the Suns have mutual interest in a new deal, with Gambadoro suggesting that the team “really” likes having the big man as its backup center.
Gambadoro and Scotto also discussed several other Suns-related topics during the podcast, including Isiah Thomas‘ unofficial role with the franchise, which Chris Paul alluded to in an interview with The New York Times.
As Gambadoro explains, Thomas isn’t going to be brought into the fold officially in a front office position, but he’s a trusted confidant for new owner Mat Ishbia, who will likely continue soliciting Thomas’ input and bouncing ideas off of him. Longtime Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo is another Ishbia confidant, Gambadoro adds.
Here’s more on the Suns:
- During the HoopsHype podcast, Gambadoro also discussed the tension that existed between former Suns head coach Monty Williams and players like Jae Crowder and Ayton. “The Jae Crowder situation was all on Monty. He told people he was too difficult to handle and coach. Monty didn’t want Jae. It wasn’t the Suns organization. He didn’t want Jae around,” Gambadoro said. “As far as Deandre Ayton, Monty didn’t want him either. He wanted them to trade him to Indiana for Myles Turner. He didn’t like coaching Ayton. … Monty’s a good coach and a player’s coach, but he’s a player’s coach for the players he likes, but he wasn’t in on Jae and Deandre.”
- The Suns are counting on having a second-round pick in Thursday’s draft, tweets Gambadoro. It will either be No. 52 – Phoenix’s current selection– or No. 57, if the Suns and Wizards swap late second-rounders as part of the Beal trade.
- Ian Begley of SNY.tv reported that the Suns – before acquiring Beal – were among the teams to reach out to the Mavericks earlier this offseason to inquire about a possible Kyrie Irving sign-and-trade. However, Gambadoro shot down that report, tweeting that it “never happened.” Either way, with Beal in the fold, an Irving pursuit is definitely off the table.
- Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic takes a look at what sort of traits the Suns will be looking for as they attempt to fill out their roster on the cheap. The team could use at least one more wing shooter, a big man who can stretch the floor and rebound, and a defensive stopper, writes Rankin.
- Eugene German, a former Northern Illinois Star who spent last season playing in China, will work out for the Suns on June 28, a source tells Sean Paul of Mountain West Wire (Twitter link).
Monty’s only crime was loving (wining culture) too much
I really hope Det turns into this rather than the route Phx took.
If not, they paid 1.25 for a coat that should have cost 0.75 cents
they had to overpay for Monty because well it’s Detroit. People that live and work there don’t even want to be.
It’s also he was gonna get 7 million per year for 3 years to not coach. It would have taken an extra 5 or so to actually get me to coach again.
Please, for the love of everything holy, do not dish out Ayton for bench depth. If I have to sit through another year of “Who’s gonna beat this small ball mega team” I might loose my mind
Ishbia isn’t as smart as his billions would lead you to believe if he’s taking and soliciting input from Isiah Thomas. The guy who zags when everyone zigs, the guy who wanted Eddy Curry and Zach Randolph when the rest of the league was shooting 3s.
but look at the shiny new toy.
Isiah is a total bust. When it comes to talent or running a team. Took us 20yrs to get over him.
LOL attempting to blame isiah for the knicks complete failure as a franchise is laughable at best. One of the worst run organizations since it’s inception. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
If he convinced him this trade was a good idea then he gave him good advice.
We’ll see what happens when the second tax apron kicks in and the team isn’t as great as expected (or, more likely, not on the court enough with all the injuries).
The Suns do need players. Those 4 are not beating the Nuggets ….
Knicks should be all over Ayton …..
Mitch, Quickley, Fournier, #1 pick
Those 4 aren’t beating the Nuggets either.
Oh I guess the others won’t play ….
Why do you change your name so much. Grow some and get real. Get informed so I. I said I can take you serious. You do understand what EYE means ….. right
Your broken English leaves a lot to be desired. Get an education then post.
Seconded
Has nothing to do with me but I’m curious;
If Al here had given you that whole response in perfect Portuguese, would he still be uneducated and not allowed to post?
Or by broken English are you saying anybody online who’s not using perfect grammar, especially when replying to you, is a moron and shouldn’t be allowed to post?
Neither of those choices paint you in a particularly pleasant light but one of them is the truth. Again, I’m curious.
“He is a players coach for the players he likes…”. A coach who has multiple years to let go of his ego for the betterment of the team and fails to do so is an obstacle. He is lucky Detroit overpaid for a coach who also thinks he is the GM.
Too true
The Suns are going to regret the Durant trade for years to come. Too much traded away for him.
Ishbia’s got maybe two years to spend like a drunken sailor and trying to buy a championship.
Okay sure but what exactly are the going to regret in your mind? Are you saying Mikal Bridges is going to be a transcendent superstar in the next 3-4 years? Is Cam Johnson going to make 2 All Star reserve spots in that span?
Well maybe you’re talking about the picks. Let’s assume at the very least that Booker and another superstar are going to be playing in Phoenix for the next 7 years. Pretty safe to project those picks outside of the lottery and certainly out of the top 8ish range.
So again, what exactly are they going to regret?
You forgot to mention Bazely.
Boy, what an unfair situation. Rip the team at halftime if one elimination game and the coach doesn’t want you around. Insult a multi time all NBA teammate in that elimination game, and everyone says you are the problem. Don’t forget, if Ayton worked hard and cared, he might be all world.