The 2025 NBA Off Season (includes free agency)

[Mainstreet]

They can be traded individually though and fill 2 different roles. They're still rotation players and that has value. Kuminga wasn't in Golden State's recent playoff rotation until injuries forced Kerr's hand.

The Suns have lacked bonafide NBA level rotation players in the not so distant past so I'd definitely prefer having control over 2 guys who fit that bill vs 1 we hope does.

The more I consider the Suns acquiring Kuminga is the less I'm willing to pay. I think getting involved as a facilitator and utilizing Grayson, Royce, or Richard's deal to make it happen in exchange for someone else is probably the best path for the Suns to go. Like somehow landing Carter would be nice.

I'm sort of neutral on the matter. I do not have a good feel of Kuminga's upside.

My guess is the Suns must think Kuminga could be a starter for them at power forward.

The contracts of Allen and O'Neale do not excite me, so the trade has that going for them. Also, Kuminga is younger.

It could be close to a wash, except it's easier to get rid of smaller contracts than bigger ones.

 

[oaken1]

Luka has gone into training camp looking more in shape the last few years. Then the donuts and beer start to catch up to him again by mid season.

It's that American diet.
Tasty processed fat is not as readily available in Europe

 

[oaken1]

Just don't stand between me and one. I remember they were so delicious.

Can you suggest anything better?

I mean, there is always something better, but they were decadent.

Like old fashioned cream puffs.
When I was a kid those things were soggy with whipped cream..
But now they are all puff.
Don't even get your face messy

 

[Yuma]

I don't want Kuminga. What if GS said he would be a starter, they try it out, a month or so goes by and GS says it's not working. What recourse would Kuminga have? Just ask for a trade again?

 

[Adrian]

Kristaps Porzingis says 'I feel great' after illness last season, ready to play for Latvia, Hawks

A lingering illness doctors struggled to define limited Porzingis last season, he is feeling strong heading into a big season.

sports.yahoo.com

 

[Phrazbit]

Every year we hear how Luka has shed a bunch of weight and is more fit than ever and every year by mid season he is clearly gassed and getting tubbier by the week.

I doubt this year will be any different.

 

[Suns_fan69]

Gilbert Arenas arrested on charges of illegal poker games

Gilbert Arenas was arrested in connection with a federal indictment that alleges the former NBA star hosted illegal high-stakes poker games at his mansion.

www.espn.com

 

[95pro]

Gilbert Arenas arrested on charges of illegal poker games

Gilbert Arenas was arrested in connection with a federal indictment that alleges the former NBA star hosted illegal high-stakes poker games at his mansion.

www.espn.com

who cares let them do what they want with their money, but if tied to other criminal activities then it is an issue

 

[TJ]

Gilbert Arenas arrested on charges of illegal poker games

Gilbert Arenas was arrested in connection with a federal indictment that alleges the former NBA star hosted illegal high-stakes poker games at his mansion.

www.espn.com

This should surprise no one.

 

[Adrian]

76ers president Daryl Morey on Lakers' 2019-20 NBA title: 'It doesn’t truly hold up as a genuine championship'

Daryl Morey opened himself up to plenty of hate for his take on the 2019-20 Lakers title. He walked some of it back hours later.

sports.yahoo.com

 

[JCSunsfan]

Every year we hear how Luka has shed a bunch of weight and is more fit than ever and every year by mid season he is clearly gassed and getting tubbier by the week.

I doubt this year will be any different.

How do you gain weight playing 82 games of professional basketball over the course of 7 months?

 

[Phrazbit]

How do you gain weight playing 82 games of professional basketball over the course of 7 months?

I know, it's confusing. Most guys start the year out of shape and play their way into it... Barkley, Diaw, ect, Luka meanwhile chubs out.

Maybe he just loves American cuisine and, obviously, can afford to indulge at the highest level, or maybe he just loves junk food... maybe he is a stress eater... but he doesn't seem like a high stress guy.

I dunno, he is an odd case, regardless, I don't think we've seen the end of fat Luka.

 

[Covert Rain]

I remember someone on this forum showing a picture of Luka in the off season last year and he looked ripped only to gain weight in the season. I am not going to put too much stock in it this year either.

 

[SirStefan32]

I know, it's confusing. Most guys start the year out of shape and play their way into it... Barkley, Diaw, ect, Luka meanwhile chubs out.

Maybe he just loves American cuisine and, obviously, can afford to indulge at the highest level, or maybe he just loves junk food... maybe he is a stress eater... but he doesn't seem like a high stress guy.

I dunno, he is an odd case, regardless, I don't think we've seen the end of fat Luka.

I really want to know what Dallas knows about Luka that nobody else does. There has to be a damn good reason for them to trade him like they did.

 

[GatorAZ]

Stars that have battled weight issues reached a different level when they were in peak shape; Shaq, Barkley, Jokic…. All became MVP’s and Luka has that potential.

 

[JCSunsfan]

I know, it's confusing. Most guys start the year out of shape and play their way into it... Barkley, Diaw, ect, Luka meanwhile chubs out.

Maybe he just loves American cuisine and, obviously, can afford to indulge at the highest level, or maybe he just loves junk food... maybe he is a stress eater... but he doesn't seem like a high stress guy.

I dunno, he is an odd case, regardless, I don't think we've seen the end of fat Luka.

Well. I do know that lack of sleep creates hormonal imbalances that cause weight gain. Maybe he just parties too much in the reg season.

 

[Hoop Head]

Luka is reportedly a drinker. There were issues when the Mavs made the Finals 2 years ago and the team was celebrating and Michael Finley took a beer out of Luka's hand on orders of Mav's management. The nightlife here in the states has to be more lively than Slovenia. Throw in American beer and overall decadence and it's not hard to see why or how Luka plumps up. One side effect from excessive drinking is retaining water and appearing bloated.

Here's video of the beer incident, it circulated social media at the time and then got a revival when Luka was dealt. Luka is also standing next to his dad, who is built like February Luka as well. Genetics are likely at play.

xc_hide_links_from_guests_guests_error_hide_media

 

[Raindog]

Luka is reportedly a drinker. There were issues when the Mavs made the Finals 2 years ago and the team was celebrating and Michael Finley took a beer out of Luka's hand on orders of Mav's management. The nightlife here in the states has to be more lively than Slovenia. Throw in American beer and overall decadence and it's not hard to see why or how Luka plumps up. One side effect from excessive drinking is retaining water and appearing bloated.

Here's video of the beer incident, it circulated social media at the time and then got a revival when Luka was dealt. Luka is also standing next to his dad, who is built like February Luka as well. Genetics are likely at play.

xc_hide_links_from_guests_guests_error_hide_media

I recall hearing the same rumors about him. One has to wonder if there really is fire behind all that smoke.

It's always possible he could get help if he does have a real problem and fix the impact it's having on his career. But the Mavs' abrupt and mysterious dumping of him makes you wonder.

 

[Phrazbit]

Luka is reportedly a drinker. There were issues when the Mavs made the Finals 2 years ago and the team was celebrating and Michael Finley took a beer out of Luka's hand on orders of Mav's management. The nightlife here in the states has to be more lively than Slovenia. Throw in American beer and overall decadence and it's not hard to see why or how Luka plumps up. One side effect from excessive drinking is retaining water and appearing bloated.

Here's video of the beer incident, it circulated social media at the time and then got a revival when Luka was dealt. Luka is also standing next to his dad, who is built like February Luka as well. Genetics are likely at play.

xc_hide_links_from_guests_guests_error_hide_media

That video cracked me up when it came out. "Built like February Luka", well done.

That said, I can scarcely recall an team going so far out of the way to publicly bury a star after a trade.

 

[95pro]

Luka is reportedly a drinker. There were issues when the Mavs made the Finals 2 years ago and the team was celebrating and Michael Finley took a beer out of Luka's hand on orders of Mav's management. The nightlife here in the states has to be more lively than Slovenia. Throw in American beer and overall decadence and it's not hard to see why or how Luka plumps up. One side effect from excessive drinking is retaining water and appearing bloated.

Here's video of the beer incident, it circulated social media at the time and then got a revival when Luka was dealt. Luka is also standing next to his dad, who is built like February Luka as well. Genetics are likely at play.

xc_hide_links_from_guests_guests_error_hide_media

Then maybe, just saying, he's probably also a headcase/diva.

Then paying a guy with these qualities max money, I'm sure they didn't want any of that knowing all his flaws. So maybe they set him up to be in the LA spotlight all the time, idk.

 

[BooksOrangePlanet]

luka isn't a lush lol he's just a grade a a-hole

 

[JCSunsfan]

That video cracked me up when it came out. "Built like February Luka", well done.

That said, I can scarcely recall an team going so far out of the way to publicly bury a star after a trade.

The little shoulder shrug by Luka at the end speaks volumes.

 

[Adrian]

Mikal Bridges agrees to 4-year, $150 million extension with New York Knicks

New York Knicks forward Mikal Bridges has agreed to a four-year, $150 million extension, ESPN's Shams Charania reported Thursday.

sports.yahoo.com

 

[BooksOrangePlanet]

Mikal Bridges agrees to 4-year, $150 million extension with New York Knicks

New York Knicks forward Mikal Bridges has agreed to a four-year, $150 million extension, ESPN's Shams Charania reported Thursday.

sports.yahoo.com

damn that's like 37 a year?

 

[Suns_fan69]

For reference, last offseason Jalen Brunson signed a 4yr / 156M contract.