If McGrady trade talks sour, Suns could strike
By Mike Tulumello, Tribune
The longer the negotiations between Orlando and Houston drag on over the Tracy McGrady trade, the better the chances for the Suns to snag "T-Mac."
The Suns are known to be going after McGrady, whose trade value has been a matter of debate after the Magic’s terrible 21-win season.
The Rockets are thought to be offering a package of players that includes Steve Francis, Cuttino Mobley and Kelvin Cato.
But the Suns have much to offer as well. Any deal almost certainly would have to include Shawn Marion, a No. 1 draft pick and a role player or two.
The Magic are thought to want either Amare Stoudemire or a combination of Marion and the rising Joe Johnson.
In fact, a New York Times report has the Suns offering Marion, Johnson and the No. 7 pick in the draft. Yet a similar trade idea that made the media rounds about a month ago was scoffed at by the Suns.
On Tuesday night, club president Bryan Colangelo said, "We don’t comment on trade speculation."
The Rockets-Magic trade may have hit a snag because Francis’ agent confirmed the player doesn’t want to leave Houston. But Francis is under contract for several years and would have no choice but to accept a trade.
The New York Times quoted an agent as saying that Magic general manger John Weisbrod "is setting a bad precedent by caving in to this guy."
One aspect of a trade with the Rockets that the Magic no doubt find appealing is that the Rockets supposedly are willing to accept the bloated contract of Juwan Howard, who has five years and about $33 million left on his contract.
Also, McGrady is thought to want to sign a long-term deal with the Rockets because they have one of the game’s best centers in Yao Ming.
