<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">The Suns also have engaged in talks regarding free-agent point guard Gary Payton, who has publicly expressed interest in backing up Nash. However, landing Payton could require using the $4.9 million trade exception Phoenix will get in the Johnson trade.</div> Source In addition to signing Brian Grant it looks like Payton is interested in backing up Nash. This could be a big boost to Phoenix with solid veterans backing up their youthful core.
I'd prefer to see Leandro Barbosa develop, personally. I think that the best move for Payton is to go to a playoff caliber team that needs point guard help and end his career as a starter. Right now that team would be the Milwaukee Bucks. Payton hasn't backed up anyone his entire career and I would be hurt to see him rot on someone bench. Had he not gone to L.A. I still believe he would be an upper echelon point guard. That situation broke his spirit and he hasn't regain the confidence that made him one of the best point guards of all time for a decade. This is an absolutely terrible way to end a fantastic career. He is the perfect example of someone who will regret trying to "steal" a championship. Guys like John Stockton and Reggie Miller in my opinions had the careers that I've respected the most b/c they were able to play their entire career for one franchise and leave on their own terms as starters. Payton wasn't given that opportunity in Seattle (which was partly his own fault) but he could have preserved his legacy if he hadn't tried to hook on with the favorites.
I disagree with you, Shiek. I think it would be a great fit and Payton has already played for the Bucks, Lakers and Celtics so I doubt the Suns would tarnish his legacy. Payton will provide defense at the 1 and can still score, if he gets big minutes then Nash wont burn out before the playoffs. If he really is willing to take on the back-up position and get a decrease in minutes during the playoffs then, in my opinion, it will help his legacy and people wouldnt think of him as selfish.
