Suns likely to make big move; Bulls in the mix.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>They arguably came within a Robert Horry cheap-shot foul of making it to the Western Conference finals a year ago. They have one of the NBA's best records so far this season. They are widely considered a legitimate, albeit flawed, title contender.

So why in the world would the Suns even consider trading either Amaré Stoudemire or Shawn Marion before the Feb. 21 trade deadline, as some around the league believe?

"I'm convinced the Suns are going to do something big," said one prominent agent who wished to remain anonymous. "I think if [general manager Steve Kerr] has his way, they'll move a major piece."

The agent, while admittedly unable to offer solid evidence to support his claims, isn't alone in his belief. Other NBA front-office types have said the same thing in recent days, citing widespread reports about the team's chemistry concerns.

Kerr won't talk about trade rumors, but one Suns official denied Tuesday that the team had any intention of dealing either of its two frontcourt stars.

Still, the Suns might have good reasons to take a proactive measure if they believe the locker room situation is not conducive to making a serious run at a championship.

Marion created headlines before training camp when he requested a trade, saying he was unhappy about hearing his name in trade talk and the team's unwillingness to grant him a contract extension (he is making $16.4 million this season and has a $17.8 million player option for next season). Though he has since remained quiet, there is little doubt he is still miffed. Stoudemire last week failed to show up for a practice, claiming his son had a fever. Some in Phoenix wondered, however, if it was the center's way of protesting the fact that he didn't get any shots in the third quarter and final six minutes of a loss to New Orleans the night before.
It's also no secret around the league that the Suns are concerned about their payroll in coming years (if he opts out after the season, Marion would be seeking a multiyear, big-money deal), and that Kerr and coach Mike D'Antoni have had their differences.

So which teams might be interested, if indeed Phoenix decided to pursue a deal for Stoudemire or Marion?

The Suns have had internal discussions about Utah's Andrei Kirilenko, the Lakers' Lamar Odom and Memphis' Pau Gasol, according to a source. But the Suns might not want to help the rival Lakers, while the Jazz and Grizzlies would be reluctant to take Marion without a strong indication that he would re-sign with them. Phoenix could look to the East, where the Bulls, Pacers and Nets are among the most motivated trade seekers, but none appears to have the pieces needed to pry Stoudemire or Marion.

The Bulls, for example, would no doubt love to have a low-post monster like Stoudemire. Chicago could offer a package of, say, Ben Gordon, Andres Nocioni, Tyrus Thomas and a draft pick for Stoudemire. But the Suns would need a big man to replace Stoudemire (sorry, Bulls fans, but Ben Wallace has $28.5 million left on his contract and doesn't fit Phoenix's system). The Pacers have a five-time All-Star forward/center in Jermaine O'Neal, but there might be concerns that he holds the ball too long to be a good fit in Phoenix's offense (a characteristic that applies to Gasol as well). The Nets could offer former Arizona star Richard Jefferson, but he wouldn't bring any financial flexibility either.

As much as Kerr might believe things aren't perfect and that his team could be better, he isn't going to make a bad move just to do something. For instance, it is almost unfathomable he would trade Stoudemire without getting a top-tier big man in return. Marion is much more likely to be dealt (Phoenix could plug Boris Diaw into his forward spot), but his versatility and defense are not easily replaced. The Suns, after all, are still trying to win a title now -- and it's not like the Spurs or Mavs are running away with the West.

That's why not everybody is convinced the Suns will make a major move -- despite the swirling speculation otherwise.

"Why would they risk it? It seems to me they've got a pretty good team right now," one Eastern Conference GM said. "In the end, I don't think they'll do anything."</div>

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writ...suns/index.html

I know its popular to put Gordon in trades, but thats not happening. They already have Barbosa, who is like Gordon, and they aren't going to take on a free agent.

I disagree we don't have the pieces to pry away Stoudemire. We have taken the guys the Suns have coveted in the past 2 drafts, and have a free agent they were looking to sign. Bulls obviously aren't going to take Shawn Marion, he makes zero sense for our team, so if we're trading with Phoenix, we're going after Stoudemire.

The trade would likely be: Sefolosha, Noah, Thomas, Nocioni (the guys they covet) and Duhon (they've wanted a backup point guard for Nash)

for: Stoudemire, Pike, and banks.

Suns would have:

PG-Steve Nash/Chris Duhon
SG-Grant Hill/Leandro Barbosa
SF-Andres Nocioni/Raja Bell/Thabo Sefolosha
PF-Shawn Marion/Tyrus Thomas
C- Joakim Noah/Boris Diaw

I think this trade is a possibility. Phoenix going on a good losing streak before the deadline would help : D

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (BG7 Lavigne @ Jan 16 2008, 08:28 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>They arguably came within a Robert Horry cheap-shot foul of making it to the Western Conference finals a year ago. They have one of the NBA's best records so far this season. They are widely considered a legitimate, albeit flawed, title contender.

So why in the world would the Suns even consider trading either Amaré Stoudemire or Shawn Marion before the Feb. 21 trade deadline, as some around the league believe?

"I'm convinced the Suns are going to do something big," said one prominent agent who wished to remain anonymous. "I think if [general manager Steve Kerr] has his way, they'll move a major piece."

The agent, while admittedly unable to offer solid evidence to support his claims, isn't alone in his belief. Other NBA front-office types have said the same thing in recent days, citing widespread reports about the team's chemistry concerns.

Kerr won't talk about trade rumors, but one Suns official denied Tuesday that the team had any intention of dealing either of its two frontcourt stars.

Still, the Suns might have good reasons to take a proactive measure if they believe the locker room situation is not conducive to making a serious run at a championship.

Marion created headlines before training camp when he requested a trade, saying he was unhappy about hearing his name in trade talk and the team's unwillingness to grant him a contract extension (he is making $16.4 million this season and has a $17.8 million player option for next season). Though he has since remained quiet, there is little doubt he is still miffed. Stoudemire last week failed to show up for a practice, claiming his son had a fever. Some in Phoenix wondered, however, if it was the center's way of protesting the fact that he didn't get any shots in the third quarter and final six minutes of a loss to New Orleans the night before.
It's also no secret around the league that the Suns are concerned about their payroll in coming years (if he opts out after the season, Marion would be seeking a multiyear, big-money deal), and that Kerr and coach Mike D'Antoni have had their differences.

So which teams might be interested, if indeed Phoenix decided to pursue a deal for Stoudemire or Marion?

The Suns have had internal discussions about Utah's Andrei Kirilenko, the Lakers' Lamar Odom and Memphis' Pau Gasol, according to a source. But the Suns might not want to help the rival Lakers, while the Jazz and Grizzlies would be reluctant to take Marion without a strong indication that he would re-sign with them. Phoenix could look to the East, where the Bulls, Pacers and Nets are among the most motivated trade seekers, but none appears to have the pieces needed to pry Stoudemire or Marion.

The Bulls, for example, would no doubt love to have a low-post monster like Stoudemire. Chicago could offer a package of, say, Ben Gordon, Andres Nocioni, Tyrus Thomas and a draft pick for Stoudemire. But the Suns would need a big man to replace Stoudemire (sorry, Bulls fans, but Ben Wallace has $28.5 million left on his contract and doesn't fit Phoenix's system). The Pacers have a five-time All-Star forward/center in Jermaine O'Neal, but there might be concerns that he holds the ball too long to be a good fit in Phoenix's offense (a characteristic that applies to Gasol as well). The Nets could offer former Arizona star Richard Jefferson, but he wouldn't bring any financial flexibility either.

As much as Kerr might believe things aren't perfect and that his team could be better, he isn't going to make a bad move just to do something. For instance, it is almost unfathomable he would trade Stoudemire without getting a top-tier big man in return. Marion is much more likely to be dealt (Phoenix could plug Boris Diaw into his forward spot), but his versatility and defense are not easily replaced. The Suns, after all, are still trying to win a title now -- and it's not like the Spurs or Mavs are running away with the West.

That's why not everybody is convinced the Suns will make a major move -- despite the swirling speculation otherwise.

"Why would they risk it? It seems to me they've got a pretty good team right now," one Eastern Conference GM said. "In the end, I don't think they'll do anything."</div>

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writ...suns/index.html

I know its popular to put Gordon in trades, but thats not happening. They already have Barbosa, who is like Gordon, and they aren't going to take on a free agent.

I disagree we don't have the pieces to pry away Stoudemire. We have taken the guys the Suns have coveted in the past 2 drafts, and have a free agent they were looking to sign. Bulls obviously aren't going to take Shawn Marion, he makes zero sense for our team, so if we're trading with Phoenix, we're going after Stoudemire.

The trade would likely be: Sefolosha, Noah, Thomas, Nocioni (the guys they covet) and Duhon (they've wanted a backup point guard for Nash)

for: Stoudemire, Pike, and banks.

Suns would have:

PG-Steve Nash/Chris Duhon
SG-Grant Hill/Leandro Barbosa
SF-Andres Nocioni/Raja Bell/Thabo Sefolosha
PF-Shawn Marion/Tyrus Thomas
C- Joakim Noah/Boris Diaw

I think this trade is a possibility. Phoenix going on a good losing streak before the deadline would help : D
</div>
Not so sure about that one - they love their money-saving ways.

In any case, I'm not especially interested in Stoudemire or Marion.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (King Joseus @ Jan 17 2008, 01:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Not so sure about that one - they love their money-saving ways.

In any case, I'm not especially interested in Stoudemire or Marion.</div>

Yeah, we don't need a guy like that on our team!

 

If anything happens involving the Suns, it won't happen til the summer. They wouldn't drastically change the team midseason.

Plus, Amare is not going anywhere.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (King Joseus @ Jan 17 2008, 01:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (BG7 Lavigne @ Jan 16 2008, 08:28 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>They arguably came within a Robert Horry cheap-shot foul of making it to the Western Conference finals a year ago. They have one of the NBA's best records so far this season. They are widely considered a legitimate, albeit flawed, title contender.

So why in the world would the Suns even consider trading either Amaré Stoudemire or Shawn Marion before the Feb. 21 trade deadline, as some around the league believe?

"I'm convinced the Suns are going to do something big," said one prominent agent who wished to remain anonymous. "I think if [general manager Steve Kerr] has his way, they'll move a major piece."

The agent, while admittedly unable to offer solid evidence to support his claims, isn't alone in his belief. Other NBA front-office types have said the same thing in recent days, citing widespread reports about the team's chemistry concerns.

Kerr won't talk about trade rumors, but one Suns official denied Tuesday that the team had any intention of dealing either of its two frontcourt stars.

Still, the Suns might have good reasons to take a proactive measure if they believe the locker room situation is not conducive to making a serious run at a championship.

Marion created headlines before training camp when he requested a trade, saying he was unhappy about hearing his name in trade talk and the team's unwillingness to grant him a contract extension (he is making $16.4 million this season and has a $17.8 million player option for next season). Though he has since remained quiet, there is little doubt he is still miffed. Stoudemire last week failed to show up for a practice, claiming his son had a fever. Some in Phoenix wondered, however, if it was the center's way of protesting the fact that he didn't get any shots in the third quarter and final six minutes of a loss to New Orleans the night before.
It's also no secret around the league that the Suns are concerned about their payroll in coming years (if he opts out after the season, Marion would be seeking a multiyear, big-money deal), and that Kerr and coach Mike D'Antoni have had their differences.

So which teams might be interested, if indeed Phoenix decided to pursue a deal for Stoudemire or Marion?

The Suns have had internal discussions about Utah's Andrei Kirilenko, the Lakers' Lamar Odom and Memphis' Pau Gasol, according to a source. But the Suns might not want to help the rival Lakers, while the Jazz and Grizzlies would be reluctant to take Marion without a strong indication that he would re-sign with them. Phoenix could look to the East, where the Bulls, Pacers and Nets are among the most motivated trade seekers, but none appears to have the pieces needed to pry Stoudemire or Marion.

The Bulls, for example, would no doubt love to have a low-post monster like Stoudemire. Chicago could offer a package of, say, Ben Gordon, Andres Nocioni, Tyrus Thomas and a draft pick for Stoudemire. But the Suns would need a big man to replace Stoudemire (sorry, Bulls fans, but Ben Wallace has $28.5 million left on his contract and doesn't fit Phoenix's system). The Pacers have a five-time All-Star forward/center in Jermaine O'Neal, but there might be concerns that he holds the ball too long to be a good fit in Phoenix's offense (a characteristic that applies to Gasol as well). The Nets could offer former Arizona star Richard Jefferson, but he wouldn't bring any financial flexibility either.

As much as Kerr might believe things aren't perfect and that his team could be better, he isn't going to make a bad move just to do something. For instance, it is almost unfathomable he would trade Stoudemire without getting a top-tier big man in return. Marion is much more likely to be dealt (Phoenix could plug Boris Diaw into his forward spot), but his versatility and defense are not easily replaced. The Suns, after all, are still trying to win a title now -- and it's not like the Spurs or Mavs are running away with the West.

That's why not everybody is convinced the Suns will make a major move -- despite the swirling speculation otherwise.

"Why would they risk it? It seems to me they've got a pretty good team right now," one Eastern Conference GM said. "In the end, I don't think they'll do anything."</div>

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writ...suns/index.html

I know its popular to put Gordon in trades, but thats not happening. They already have Barbosa, who is like Gordon, and they aren't going to take on a free agent.

I disagree we don't have the pieces to pry away Stoudemire. We have taken the guys the Suns have coveted in the past 2 drafts, and have a free agent they were looking to sign. Bulls obviously aren't going to take Shawn Marion, he makes zero sense for our team, so if we're trading with Phoenix, we're going after Stoudemire.

The trade would likely be: Sefolosha, Noah, Thomas, Nocioni (the guys they covet) and Duhon (they've wanted a backup point guard for Nash)

for: Stoudemire, Pike, and banks.

Suns would have:

PG-Steve Nash/Chris Duhon
SG-Grant Hill/Leandro Barbosa
SF-Andres Nocioni/Raja Bell/Thabo Sefolosha
PF-Shawn Marion/Tyrus Thomas
C- Joakim Noah/Boris Diaw

I think this trade is a possibility. Phoenix going on a good losing streak before the deadline would help : D
</div>
Not so sure about that one - they love their money-saving ways.

In any case, I'm not especially interested in Stoudemire or Marion.
</div>

But if they just want to save money, why would they want Gordon? They could take on PJ Brown in a sign and trade, and he would stay on the team for the year, get a big payday, and then leave next year. Phoenix wanting to save money would be one place where a PJ Brown sign and trade scenario actually makes a lot of sense, with potential of him sticking out the rest of the year.