<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Miami is well positioned to get under the salary cap. Marion's future with the HEAT is certainly in doubt. There has been some buzz that the Miami would be interested in a Lamar Odom/Luke Walton package from the Los Angeles Lakers. Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak indicated to reporters recently that the team's priority is re-signing their own free agents (Sasha Vujacic and Ronny Turiaf) as well as thinning out some of the roster imbalance. Sources say LA is still undecided on Odom's fate. The Lakers are intrigued at the possibility of an extremely long front court with Andrew Bynum, Pau Gasol and Odom. They're also worried that Odom will successfully make the transition back to small forward lacking a shooting touch He's also paid a bit much to be the fourth-best player on the team. Odom was well liked in his previous stint with the HEAT. Similar to Marion, Odom's contract expires at the end of the coming season. Coming off an NBA Finals appearance, the Lakers aren't going to rush into a move. Kupchak is known for being patient. Team owner Dr. Jerry Buss is already on hook for a significant luxury tax bill. The Lakers had once traded for Miami's Marcus Banks (then with the Celtics) only to see the deal amended when Gary Payton refused to show up in Boston for his physical. LA is looking to add toughness to the roster and Banks is primarily known as a defender. He's also shown improvement as a shooter, hitting 45.0% from the field and 39.2% from three-point range this past season. It's interesting that the HEAT are said to have interest in Walton. There was some buzz that Boston and LA had discussed a Walton/Banks deal a few years back (after the original trade went belly up). The Lakers have Derek Fisher and Jordan Farmar but Fisher is turning 34 this August. Banks is set to make $13.7 million over the next three seasons. Of course LA could find themselves in the hunt for Ron Artest. Even though he's recently indicated he'll probably stick with Sacramento and wouldn't be open to taking the Mid Level Exception (MLE) - Artest's word isn't really the best guide. He's also said the opposite recently to a number of sources. Artest could significantly change the playoff picture in the West should he look to join any of the top eight teams. The Lakers wouldn't be the only contender looking to make a deal. His agent hopes to get more money out of the Kings, but so far that's been a dead end. In the long run, the MLE may be the most Artest gets considering his reputation as difficult personality.</div> A Few Rumors... I would definitely ship out Odom and Walton for Marion.
First of all, that would never happen. I would love to have Marion on this team, but I don't know if his ego would fit well with this current roster. If he agrees to take a lesser role, then yeah, please sign me up. But if any trade goes down (which it probably won't), no way in hell does Miami accept Luke Walton
Did you read? Miami supposedly has an interest in Walton... And so what if Marion doesn't work out? He'll be a $18 million expiring contract. He's may not be a better player than Odom, but his game compliments Kobe much better. Marion, unlike Odom, doesn't need the ball in his hands to be effective.
I read it I just think it's some BS rumor. They may have had interest in him earlier, but I don't see any reason why anybody would want to trade for him after the performance he has had this season, given the amount and the length of his contract.
As bad as Luke was, you do have to factor in that for a good portion of the year he was injured and then for the last month or so of the season, he was playing with the thought of his dad being pretty much paralyzed on his mind.
It still doesn't make sense. His contract doesn't end until 2013, I believe. His contract is back loaded, I believe it increases each year until he makes 6 million or so, and by then, he'll be past 30. I understand he wasn't completely healthy, but it still doesn't make sense. Luke had one great season in his entire career, and that was his contract year. Excuses or not, he played like crap this year. He probably had 4 good games this entire season, and those were all in the series against the Nuggets (everyone on our roster had great games against the Nuggets). I don't think he has any trade value at all, but what do I know. I for one, would love to see Luke off the team, but I'm not getting my hopes up the slightest. I don't think Pat Riley is that stupid
marion and banks for odom, walton and farmar makes more sense for miami Mitch Make the deal without farmar! Call Pat! PG:Fisher, Banks, Farmar SG: Kobe, Sasha SF: Marion, Ariza, Vlad PF: Gasol, Turiaf C: Bynum, Mihm, DJ
Highly doubt we get Marion, I do think we need to go PG shopping since Fisher ain't getting younger. As for players I'll trade for Odom Gerald Wallace Marion Jefferson Prince
Id take artest over marion. but i wouldnt trade odom for marion. We need a guy who will guard the likes of Lebron, Pierce and that guy is Artest.
With the Heat drafting Beasley this rumor unfortunately dies. Initially I loved the thought of Marion on this squad, but I was reminded how selfish he is and the ego he has. I don't think Marion would accept being the 3rd or 4th option on our team and he wouldn't be worth the hefty price tag either.
The player I want is Gerald Wallace or Luol Deng (I wonder if he's available, although I doubt we can get him). My ultimate pipe dream would be to trade Pau Gasol/Jordan Farmar for Elton Brand.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Black Mamba @ Jun 27 2008, 10:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>The player I want is Gerald Wallace or Luol Deng (I wonder if he's available, although I doubt we can get him). My ultimate pipe dream would be to trade Pau Gasol/Jordan Farmar for Elton Brand.</div> Gerald Wallace can't shoot or stay healthy. Luol Deng is interesting, but I'm not sure about his mental makeup. He completely digressed last season when the Bulls didn't give him the extension he wanted. I was watching Laker Round Table last night and all the speakers on the show were hoping James Posey would jump ship to LA. I'd love to work a deal with Charlotte to acquire Kyle Weaver
I would absolutely love Posey on this team, but not as a starter. Yeah, Wallace can't stay healthy, but his defense and athleticism would be awesome on this team. I just don't know what is more worth risking: Wallace getting injured or having Odom disappear again. What about Odom/Gasol/Farmar for Brand/Maggette (again people, these are made up pipes, don't get all butt hurt or something and tell me I'm starting rumors). Would you do that deal, Shape?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Black Mamba @ Jun 27 2008, 10:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I would absolutely love Posey on this team, but not as a starter. Yeah, Wallace can't stay healthy, but his defense and athleticism would be awesome on this team. I just don't know what is more worth risking: Wallace getting injured or having Odom disappear again. What about Odom/Gasol/Farmar for Brand/Maggette (again people, these are made up pipes, don't get all butt hurt or something and tell me I'm starting rumors). Would you do that deal, Shape?</div> I'd want Brand over Gasol or Odom, but I don't have much faith in CMaggs these days. He has lost a step and the older he gets the harder it's going to be for him to throw his body around. Plus you have to wonder about the money CMaggs wants and I"m not sure he's a fit for the Triangle offense, plus he's a lousy defensive player. Brand would bring inside toughness to our squad immediately and if Bynum recovers, that frontline is a beast.
Man, I was at work today and just thought Elton Brand would be absolutely perfect for this team. I swear, if I was Mitch, I'd be on the phone with Sterling offering anyone but Kobe and Bynum for him.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Black Mamba @ Jun 27 2008, 10:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Man, I was at work today and just thought Elton Brand would be absolutely perfect for this team. I swear, if I was Mitch, I'd be on the phone with Sterling offering anyone but Kobe and Bynum for him.</div> The Clippers could be a sleeper team next year if their guys stay healthy. PG - Livingston SG - Gordon SF - Thornton PF - Brand C - Kaman This is a very talented and explosive starting five next year.
