Noah Drops a Hint on KG, Kobe, & Phoenix <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Noah said trade speculation involving NBA stars Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett and the phone call he got Friday from the Phoenix Suns adds more mystery to the draft. "The craziest thing about it is you have no idea also what's going to happen if these big guys go in trades, these superstars," he said. "As a player you just have to be ready for anything. "Just today, I had an opportunity to go work out in Phoenix. Phoenix isn't in the lottery. Why would they call my agent and say 'We want him to work out?"' Noah said he accepted the invitation of the Suns, who aren't scheduled to pick until No. 24 The 6-foot-11 Noah averaged 12.0 points and 8.4 rebounds as a junior to help Florida win its second straight national championship. </div> Source: Yahoo Sports
Interesting. This suggests that: 1. Minnesota would be willing to move its 7th pick and Garnett for Amare and change. Marion is off the table at this point it seems. 2. Noah won't fall to 19, so this pretty much has no implications for a direct trade between the Suns and the Lakers. A third team could get involved though, which would unleash all sorts of craziness. More than likely, though, this doesn't mean anything with regards to a big trade. It likely just means that Phx is looking to move up in the draft or they think Noah might fall to some degree.
This was a trade proposal I saw somewhere on ESPN! I copied it and accidentally closed the window. Now I cant find the link. Anyway, I'll put it on quotes and its OFF ESPN. Lakers definitely are upgraded, but the Suns are downright scary!!!! <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> Phoenix: sends: Marion, Marcus Banks, James Jones, 1st pick this year and 1st pick next year gets: Garnett and Radmanovic LA: sends: Radmanovic, Bynum, Kwame, Walton (sign and trade) gets: Marion, James Jones, Jaric Minnesota: sends: Garnett and Jaric gets: Banks, Kwame;s expiring contract, Walton, Bynum, picks Lakers: Farmar/Jaric (type of big guard Phil likes) Kobe Marion Odom Mihm James Jones, Turiaf, and Cook off the bench Suns: Nash Bell Diaw Amare Garnett Barbosa and Radmanovic off the bench Minnesota can rebuild around picks, Bynum and Walton. They can also use the cap space they clear by not resigning Kwame to pursue someone in free agency. The 2008 free agent market is deep. </div>
The Suns lineup is ridiculous, and even though the Lakers also improve, we'd be hard pressed contend with Phoenix roster. The Lakers would still need help in the backcourt to deal with Parker or Nash. My initial thought was this trade between Phoenix and Minnesota. KG + #9 Pick (Phoenix would draft Noah) Amare + #19 + Atlanta's pick next year + Kurt Thomas + James Jones Phoenix would commit to winning now, and have a little insurance with Noah, when they eventually have to rebuild. Minnesota gets a second chance to build around an athletic post presence in Amare, along with another potential high lottery pick next year from Atlanta.
