I haven't noticed this posted yet....
http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/index.php?sty=24717
Commentary Trade of Marion could be coming By Scott Bordow, Tribune Columnist
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Steve Nash will be introduced today as the newest member of the Phoenix Suns. Quentin Richardson may soon join him in the backcourt.
If all goes according to plan, the Suns will hold a third press conference in a few weeks — to announce that Shawn Marion has been traded for a big man.
The Suns know the small-ball team they've put together in free agency — with Amare Stoudemire at center and the thin 6-foot-7 Marion at power forward — won't work in the long run.
Oh, Phoenix would look pretty, score a lot of points and make the playoffs — recall the Kevin Johnson-Tom Chambers-Dan Majerle-Jeff Hornacek Suns' teams of the late 1980s and early 1990s — but the undersized lineup would get killed defensively and on the boards when it matters most — in the postseason.
Plus, there's the not-so-little matter of Stoudemire's vehement objection to playing center on a full-time basis. The Suns aren't about to alienate their poster boy and star player.
The only reasonable option, then, is to trade a perimeter player for a much-needed center.
Which is where Marion and his $86 million contract come in.
Marion is a terrific talent. He was one of only two NBA players — along with Minnesota's Kevin Garnett — to rank in the top 30 last season in points, rebounds, steals, blocks and minutes played.
But Marion is not an impact player. He doesn't take over games in the fourth quarter. He doesn't demand the ball when games are on the line. His shooting percentage has dropped three straight seasons as he's become more reliant on the 3-point shot.
Marion would be a terrific second or third option on a playoff team. Problem is, the Suns are paying him to be a superstar, and he isn't.
The question is, what kind of big man can Phoenix get for Marion?
Golden State's Erick Dampier is available, but he was a classic underachiever until last season, his contract year, and he might dog it again if he has the security of a new, long-term deal.
Cleveland's Zydrunas Ilgauskas is on the market, but he has a history of foot problems.
The dream get: New Orleans center Jamaal Magloire. The 6-foot-11, 250-pound Magloire averaged 13.6 points, 10.3 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game last season and was named to the Eastern Conference All-Star team. He's young (26), athletic and only getting better.
The Hornets don't want to part with Magloire, but they need a scoring small forward to replace Jamal Mashburn, who's nearing the end of his career because of injury problems. Marion, an All-Star and an Olympian, might be enticing.
Imagine a starting five of Magloire, Stoudemire, Johnson, Richardson and Nash. The Suns would be forgiven for prematurely blowing up the Stoudemire-Marion-Stephon Marbury triangle and subjecting fans to last year's 29-53 embarrassment.
Of course, every master plan has its bugs.
If Kobe Bryant re-signs with the Los Angeles Lakers, the Clippers are more likely to match the $40 million offer sheet Richardson signed with the Suns. (One factor working in Phoenix's favor: Richardson and Clippers forward Corey Maggette don't get along, and L.A. may want to appease Maggette).
Even if Richardson winds up in Phoenix, there's no guarantee the Suns can work out a favorable deal involving Marion. Good centers are hard to find, and Marion's contract might be as unappealing to other teams as it is the Suns.
Just know this: The Suns don't want to be the Little Team that Could. Been there, failed at that.
They need a big man to win a championship, and they'll use Marion as bait.
Contact Scott Bordow by
email, or phone (480) 898-6598
