Marion/Kirilenko Deal was "Close"

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'></p>
<div class="bi">Deal Close?</div>
<div>

<span style="font-style: italic">Oct 16</span> - How close was Shawn Marion to being swapped for Andrei Kirilenko? Utah owner Larry Miller told the Salt Lake Tribune Saturday that Phoenix's offer was the only one that ever "generated any steam" when they fielded proposals after the Russian told the team he wanted to be traded.</p>

</p>

Miller also intimated that he killed a possible straight-up, Kirilenko-for-Marion trade, supposedly because of the hefty three-year, $60 million contract extension Marion is reportedly seeking. NBA sources confirmed that a deal of similar components -- one that included extraneous elements such as draft picks and cash -- was amicable to Phoenix and signed off on by Suns owner Robert Sarver.</p>

</p>

But that was then. Publicly, the waters seem to have calmed in both cities. -- <font color="#000000">East Valley Tribune</font></p>

</p>
[*]"Both sides would lose a great player and gain a great player but both are probably going to stay where they are," said Jeff Hornacek, who will work all season with Kirilenko, particularly on his perimeter shot, after the pairing began in the spring. "If it ever went down, Andrei would be great here (in Phoenix). There's really no reason for either team to trade these guys. I can't imagine it ever happening." -- <font color="#000000">Arizona Republic</font></div>
</div>

 

Re: Marion/Kirilenko Deal was

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (peg182)</div><div class='quotemain'></p>

Wow....if I were Utah, I probably would've jumped on getting Marion. Even if it's for a year, or if they have to give him a big contract, I wouldn't mind pickin him up.</p>

</div></p>

No kidding! I figured Phoenix was the team who turned down the deal since Marion is the more consistent player and has a shorter length on his overpaid contract. With all the drama AK47 was causing and the threat of opting out to play in Russia, plus the fact he's not working out at SF and is better at PF this deal made a lot more sense for Utah to pursue.</p>

The only downside I could see is Utah afraid of not being able to re-sign Marion, but they would have a lot of cap room if he opted out. I know free agents haven't flocked to Utah in past history, but money is king these days amongst players.</p>

</p>

</p>