Locked On Suns - Daily Podcast On The Phoenix Suns

On today’s episode, we recap some of the latest rumblings before diving into seven trades the Suns could make on draft night.

First, we discuss whether there is any weight to the idea that the Suns are interested in pursuing Trae Young in a deal to trade back up into the lottery from No. 16. How would a team centered around Young and Deandre Ayton look?

Then, those seven glorious trades, including a look at the Kevin Love situation and what it might take to get off of Brandon Knight’s contract.

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On today’s episode, we bring back Sporting News’ Chris Stone to discuss the latest in draft news, only eight days out from the 2018 NBA draft. 

Topics include Chris’ reaction to the Suns all but locking up their decision at No. 1 during last week’s Deandre Ayton workout, risers and fallers across the league, and Kevin Huerter’s injury. 

As always, we try and parse through how the changes affect the Suns.

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On today’s show, AZ Desert Swarm’s Ryan Kelapire joins as we go further in-depth on Deandre Ayton. We broke down strengths and weaknesses of Ayton’s game alongside how he was to cover from a media point of view this past season.

How does Ayton compare to other lottery talent to come out of Tucson? No surprise, but Ryan believes Ayton far and away trumps the likes of Aaron Gordon and Lauri Markkanen.

Also, how about the U of A effect on ticket sales next season? With majority owner Robert Sarver, who’s an alum, it could play a factor if their choice up top comes down to the little things.

We covered all of that and more, as Ayton seems destined to be the chosen Sun at No. 1.

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On today’s episode, we quickly break down everything we saw and heard at Deandre Ayton’s post-draft workout press conference.

Both Ayton and general manager Ryan McDonough spoke to the media following the hour-long workout, and all but guaranteed Ayton will be the first name called June 21. 

We discuss exactly what that means for the rest of the draft, the Suns’ summer, and Luka Doncic.

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On today’s episode, we delve into the terrifying depths of r/Sunsto answer questions about the upcoming summer in a mailbag.

Before that, we quickly address the reports that the Suns have hired both Joe Prunty and Corliss Williamsonas assistant coaches.

Finally, we discuss everything from trade opportunities this summer, draft possibilities at Nos. 1, 16 and 31, and the Suns’ timeline to contention in the shadow of the Warriors’ dynasty.

Thanks to r/Suns for the content this week. And yes, we’ve finally given on the likelihood that Deandre Ayton goes first overall.

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On today’s episode, Brendon brings in the European Woj, David Pick, to discuss Luka Doncic’s performance at the EuroLeague Final Fourin a wide-ranging conversation that stretches beyond just Doncic.

Pick has been as close a source as any to Doncic throughout his journey since age 13 up to this point, now considered a contender to be the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA draft. He talks about Doncic’s development, the historic nature of his EuroLeague performance, and why the level of competition against which Doncic played is legit.

We also discuss how European scouting has become less mysterious over time for NBA teams, and how much more the league knows about Doncic than even Dragan Bender, whom the Suns took at No. 4 just two summers ago.

Finally, we drop in on Dzanan Musa, another player performing well overseas who could be in play for the Suns at No. 16, if they target wing offense at that spot. Pick discusses why players competing in lesser leagues and tournaments are still valued so highly in the draft.

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On today’s episode, Jeff Siegel, the propietor of Early Bird Rightsand a blogger across the internet, joins to preview the 2018 offseason from the Suns’ perspective.

We discuss the Suns’ ability to operate above the cap by keeping Elfrid Payton’s cap hold on the books, guaranteeing the salaries of the young players on the roster, and keeping both Tyson Chandlerand Jared Dudley. Jeff elucidates how that would help them be more flexible in 2019.

We also talk about the value around the league of guys like T.J. Warren, Dragan Benderand Marquese Chrisson their current contracts, and how the Suns could clear room using those players as trade chips if necessary.

Finally, Jeff explains the implications of Devin Booker’s next contract, and how the Suns’ cap situation changes based on his signing that maximum deal this summer as an extension or next summer as a restricted free agent.

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On today’s two-part episode, we’re trying to keep track of all the angles of the Suns’ 2018 draft strategy. 

Part one features a conversation between Evan, Kellan Olson and Scott Bordow regarding the battle for the No. 1 pick. Kellan has been one of the loudest voices championing Doncic for the spot, while Scott has been reporting closely on the Suns’ leanings since the season ended.

Part two features a breakdown of the four most interesting prospects at the Suns’ Monday workout—Anfernee Simons, Hamidou Diallo, Tony Carrand Aaron Holiday. They all fit a similar mold as versatile, multi-skilled guards who could fit opposite Devin Booker.

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On today's episode we were live from Talking Stick Resort Arena as we discussed the Suns' first predraft workout, which was headlined by SMU guard Shake Milton. We go over the workout itself and also quickly break down why Milton would be a great fit for the Suns, if he's still available at No. 31.

Also, general manager Ryan McDonough spoke to the media today on plenty of topics but the Deandre Ayton vs. Luka Doncic debate made its way into it. After breaking down perceived weaknesses on both prospects (Ayton's defensive instincts, Doncic's lack of athleticism), we go over what comments stood out from McDonough's media availability. This was the final time McDonough will speak to the media until the week of the draft.

There's one main takeaway: Phoenix is nowhere close to being set on one prospect at the top. The Ayton vs. Doncic debate is legitimate.

(Scott Bordow of The Arizona Republic was unable to join us due to his writing deadline afterwards, but he will be on Monday's episode!)

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On today’s episode, Ricky O’Donnell of SB Nation joins us to talk about what he learned at the combine, why he favors Luka Doncic (and Jaren Jackson Jr.) over Deandre Ayton, and how he looks at the draft more broadly as an analyst.

We start with a deep dive on Ayton, exploring how to build a successful team around someone so physically imposing and defensively challenged. Then we move on to what makes Doncic a more intriguing team basketball player and why his specific position might not matter.

Then, we talk about some of Ricky’s favorite options for the Sunsat Nos. 16 and 31 based on his scouting and what he saw at the combine, including Robert Williamsand Troy Brown.

We also explore some bigger picture questions, ranging from the decision to stay in school or go to the NBA for fringe first-rounders to how to juggle the way the NBA plays today versus how it will function in the future.

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