Suns, Jazz had brief talks involving Marion
Jerry Brown, Tribune
The Suns and Utah Jazz briefly discussed a multi-player trade with All-Stars Shawn Marion and Andrei Kirilenko as the centerpieces last month, but talks ended quickly and have not been revived.
A source close to the situation said talks between the Suns and Jazz consisted of “one brief phone call” in early August, and that the two teams haven’t spoken since.
It is not known which side initiated the talks, but both sides have reason to be interested.
Marion is already the Suns' highest-paid player – he will earn $16.44 million this season and has a player option at $17.18 million for the 2008-09 season. He is also seeking a contract extension and raise that would make it difficult for the Suns to keep their team together and stay under the league’s luxury tax threshold.
Marion, 29, can opt out of his contract at the end of the season and become a free agent if he thinks another team will pay as much or more for his services.
Kirilenko, 26, makes less money next season ($13.71 million) which would give the Suns a little wiggle room under the salary cap at present. But he is due more than $63 million over the next four seasons, topping out at $17.82 million for the 2010-11 season.
The Russian was a huge disappointment last season, averaging only 8.3 points and 4.7 rebounds. He started all 70 games he played in, but clashed with coach Jerry Sloan over his playing time and role as the Jazz had a great season behind stars Carlos Boozer, Deron Williams and Mehmet Okur. His poor play and huge salary have made him a target for Jazz fans and made for an uncomfortable situation -- shielded somewhat by Utah's run to the Western Conference finals.
In his career, Kirilenko has averaged 13 points and 6.2 rebounds, regularly ranking among the league leaders in blocks (2.5 a game) and steals (1.5).
The talks apparently involved other players, with both teams looking to fill backup needs. The Jazz are looking for help at backup point guard – the Suns have Marcus Banks to dangle – while the Suns need more size and rebounding up front – a spot someone like Paul Millsap or Jarron Collins could fill.
Meanwhile, the Suns have not heard any more news from former Chicago Bulls forward/center P.J. Brown, who may be waffling on his decision to retire, and don’t expect to have an answer before training camp begins Oct. 1. But before camp begins, the Suns will sign a big man to a non-guaranteed contract to fill their final roster spot. Michael Sweetney, Elton Brown, Vitaly Potapenko and former Sun Jake Tsakalidis are among those under consideration.
