Locked On Suns - Daily Podcast On The Phoenix Suns

On today’s episode, we dive into the Jimmy Butler situation in Minnesota with contributing writer for The Athletic and A Wolf Among Wolves, Tim Faklis.

Butler met with Timberwolves officials Monday to discuss his future in Minnesota in what Shams Charania went so far as to call a “last-ditch effort” by the team.

Is there any chance the Suns could get involved in trade talks should Butler become available soon? What would the Wolves want?

Tim is here to give his answers, and reveal whether a Josh Jackson/2019 Suns first package gets it done.

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On today’s episode, we look at the Sports Illustrated Top 100 and the ESPN NBA Future Power Rankings to understand the national media perception of the Suns.

After a 21-61 season, it’s unfair to say the Suns should quite have the full respect and attention of national writers, but there are certainly signs for optimism that may not be accounted for.

Finally, we look into the state of the Suns’ franchise heading into a new season. Could they truly move up in the Future Rankings and show what a top-10 media market can do for a good, young NBA team?

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On today’s episode, Jackson Hoy of The Stepien joins the show for the first time since June’s draft. What did he think of the Suns acquiring Deandre Ayton, Mikal Bridges, Elie Okobo and De’Anthony Melton?

First, we kicked it off with Okobo and Melton. Both players have similar measurements, but are polar opposites in terms of what they can contribute right now. How does Jackson view Phoenix’s strategy on this, and which one has a brighter future?

Also, we touched on the possibility of the Suns rolling into this season with Shaquille Harrison, Okobo and Melton as their point guard rotation. Would Jackson be comfortable doing that until a bigger deal arises later on?

Then, Ayton’s defensive potential was a big focus. Does Ayton’s switching ability allow for Phoenix to properly construct an above-average defense around him? His rim protection ability as an anchor will be something to monitor long term, but if he could fill the Clint Capela role, it could go a long way in mirroring possible pre-draft concerns.

Finally, is Bridges the glue that will make Devin Booker and Ayton perform better? If Bridges improves his playmaking ability, does this make Josh Jackson eventually expendable in a star trade? We also talk about the potential perimeter trio of Bridges, Jackson and Melton surrounding Booker and Ayton.

This was a fun one, so tune in!

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On today’s episode, we break down the latest Suns news, which all seems to be circling around the guard rotation these days.

First, an update on the right wrist injury which took Devin Booker out of the final few weeks of the 2017-18 season and for which he needed surgery on Monday.

Then, a roundup of the latest reporting on the point guard sweepstakes, with the Suns seemingly targeting every extraneous ball-handler around the entire NBA.

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On today’s episode, we continue the mock trade negotiation theme by picking out five more teams who could have what Phoenix wants.

After haggling through a George Hill deal on Monday with Locked On Cavaliers’ Chris Manning and Goran Dragic on Wednesday with Locked On Heat’s Wes Goldberg, Evan and Brendon have targeted five other point guards who check multiple boxes on their wishlist.

Those names are Terry Rozier, Kemba Walker, Patrick Beverley, Cory Joseph and Spencer Dinwiddie.

Ranked 1-5 beforehand, based on the likelihood said player gets moved, mock trades were made to be as mutually beneficial as possible. Will that mean Phoenix wins or loses most of these negotiations?

Finally, we discussed whether Phoenix can wait this situation out or if they have backed themselves into a corner towards making another move now?

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On today’s episode, Evan and Wes Goldberg, co-host of Locked On Heat, debate back-and-forth about what it will take for another Goran Dragic trade.

Before we went into mock negotiations, Wes and I discussed Miami’s future and where they go from here. Also, what does the immediate future look like for former Sun Derrick Jones Jr.?

During trade conversations, Miami was interested in either a star quality player or immediate cap relief for Dragic to help entice max-caliber free agents soon. Were the Suns able to pull off another surprising trade or was the asking price too high?

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On today’s episode, we bring on Locked On Cavaliers host Chris Manning to debate our way through negotiations for George Hill to be the replacement Suns point guard.

The Suns’ goals are likely to get off of T.J. Warren’s salary long-term and create more minutes in the wing rotation, while Cleveland is looking for young talent.

The eventual deal includes a coveted 2018 rookie and an interesting young Cavs prospect on top of the primary pieces on each side.

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On today’s episode, Bright Side of the Sun managing editor Dave King swings through to give his analysis of Thursday’s four-player deal between the Suns and Rockets.

We hit a lot in this short episode:First reactions after initial Woj BombWhat comes next? Who are potential point guard targets?Impact on T.J. Warren and Dragan BenderHow does the rotation shake out? Does Ryan Anderson really start?What trading Chriss says about Ryan McDonough’s rebuildAny chance Phoenix can trade for a big name like Damian Lillard?

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On today’s episode, we quickly recap what became an eventful Thursday night for the Phoenix Suns, as the team traded third-year big Marquese Chriss and presumed starting point guard Brandon Knight to the Rockets in a surprise deal.

Chriss’ departure effectively seals Dragan Bender’s fate in Phoenix as the chosen son of the 2016 draft, while Knight moves on to Houston and leaves a Devin Booker-sized hole at the point guard spot.

We hit the deal from every angle — does Booker really start at the one? Is Melton the best player in the deal? What types of lineups are now possible with all of this young wing talent?

You won’t want to miss our giddy initial thoughts to this wild deal.

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On today’s episode, we bring on Max McCauley of the Seven Seconds or Less podcast to talk about what the Suns’ roster should look like around Devin Booker and how Max would approach the 2018-19 NBA season.

We talk about:Is Booker better-suited to play on or off the ball moving forward? What kind of player is an ideal backcourt partner?Decision time on Dragan Bender and Marquese Chriss.How the wing rotation shakes out, who starts at small forward, and whether Josh Jackson or Mikal Bridges is the priority long-term.The Suns’ focus on the draft versus improvement in 2019.And finally, Max puts on the general manager hat and maneuvers through the next full calendar year for the Suns.

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