OK, so it's not Artest. Let me just say, if we can get Artest this offseason, then forget Marion, Artest is the way to go. BUT, Marion is an excellent defender, long wingspan, and has more fast twitch muscle fibers in his legs than some teams have in their entire starting lineups! Money wise, we'd have to give up Chris Mihm or our 2nd rounder for the trade to work. LA does the deal because they get their tough player, excellent defender, VERY explosive. The only thing that Marion doesn't have that the Lakers NEED is the outside shooting, but in that area he is an upgrade over Odom. Miami wants to clear up cap space, and the $14.5M that Odom is owed this season will be off the books next season. Miami adds more versatility and someone who is confident with the ball in his hands, which LO is. Pat Riley LOVES LO's game, so expect LO for Marion talks to begin after the draft.
If the Heat want to clear cap space why wouldn't they just wait for Marion's contract to expire? In the meantime, they could benefit from the fact that Marion>Odom.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Chutney @ Jun 23 2008, 11:24 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>If the Heat want to clear cap space why wouldn't they just wait for Marion's contract to expire? In the meantime, they could benefit from the fact that Marion>Odom.</div> Oh, didn't realize, Marion's contract ends next year as well. Still, I think Miami is gonna be all over this trade.
If by both teams, you mean that this trade makes a lot of sense for the Lakers and none for the Heat, I agree. This is a stupid deal for Miami. Depending on what they think of Beasley, there could be some thought that Wade, Marion and Beasley could be a competitive team in the East. Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised to see them feel that way.
You guys have to understand that Pat Riley is practically in love with Lamar Odom. So is Dwyane Wade, I'm heard... Anyways, Marion wouldn't fit on this team. He is a whiner, and he is a cancer. He is an attention whore and wants to be the focal part of the offense. He was whining about his touches in Phoenix, so I don't see how he will be happy playing here, when we have guys like Kobe, Pau, and Bynum. Not to mention the fact that Marion will be looking for a pretty huge extension as well, something I'm pretty sure Jerry Buss will not pay.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (lakerman34 @ Jun 23 2008, 12:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Chutney @ Jun 23 2008, 11:24 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>If the Heat want to clear cap space why wouldn't they just wait for Marion's contract to expire? In the meantime, they could benefit from the fact that Marion>Odom.</div> Oh, didn't realize, Marion's contract ends next year as well. Still, I think Miami is gonna be all over this trade. </div> The central argument is proven wrong, but the conclusion remains just as valid.... can't argue with that logic!
No real valid reason for the Heat to make this trade. It doesn't give them anything that they don't have already, and it makes a rival title contender even stronger. Why do it?
