Suns can’t connect the dots to Giannis, Gallens future in Arizona tied to the present…

Patrick Ewing and the frozen envelope was one of the all-time great conspiracy theories in sports. I thought of the Ewing direction by the NBA on Monday night when the Dallas Mavericks somehow made it through the Draft Lottery to end up with the top pick and add to the Suns uphill(understatement) climb. Here in Phoenix we know the thrill of winning the lottery, right? I mean, how many celebrated DeAndre Ayton’ arrival and with it, the many titles our hometown heroes on the hardwood were going to win. How has that worked out for the Suns? Ayton is just one example of how close Phoenix was for years of deep playoff runs and perhaps titles. Instead, I’m watching Mikel Bridges take apart the Boston Celtics on both ends of the floor and thought what you probably thought. How did this happen? But wait, I don’t believe the worst is in the rear view mirror. Here’s why.
Giannis’people are going to explore how to move him out of Milwaukee and San Antonio finished second in the lottery. The two are connected. This is bad news for the Suns. Kevin Durant will be 37 years old in September. San Antonio is not going to give up the second pick in the draft for Durant, but the Spurs now have a big chip to use as part of a deal to go after Antetokounmpo. Put Giannis alongside of the blossoming big man Victor Wembanyama.
If you’re looking for a path to get back capital for Durant, look to the Lakers. Austin Reeves contract is becoming an issue in LA. Reeves averaged 20 pts. and almost six assists and five rebounds a game. He’s only 26. The Suns can figure out how to have Reeves and Devin Booker on the court at the same time. I am not suggesting that Reeves is the only chess piece the Suns would get back, there would have to be multiple teams involved to get a deal done. The idea of Giannis for Durant straight-up works to keep media companies click-counts or TSL going, but fantasy basketball is how you get back into the ditch, where is appears the Suns are stuck in once again…

The Suns should’ve gone after Ty Lue last year before settling on Bud. Make another run at him…

In baseball you know what kind of team you have based on the holidays. By Memorial Day, you know if the team has some flaws, but you can work through them. By the July 4th holiday, you believe you have a team that is going to be in the race at the end or not. By Labor Day you’ve got everything in line to make a dash to the finish line. In the case of the 2025 Diamondbacks this past weekend against the Dodgers showed how important left handed pitching is going to be. Eduarado Rodriguez getting shelled as a starter and not having AJ Puk(injured) or Joe Mantiply(ineffective) is a huge problem. If Jordan Lawler produces, what avenues could be opened up to move a veteran for relief help without opening other holes. Does Zac Gallens’ contract expiration after the season factor into what moves could be made? I’m open to moving Zac before the end of July trade deadline if Scott Boras on the franchise see no way of coming to an agreement…

We will be in Dallas with Arizona State and Arizona football July 7-9 for Big 12 Football Media Days…