Diener on the block

[JCSunsfan]

Magic point guard Travis Diener, who has had a great pre-season, definitely can be had for a decent big man. Diener definitely is an NBA keeper, but he isn’t going to play ahead of Jameer Nelson and Carlos Arroyo, so Magicians are anxious to fill a need. They can use depth up front, so look for them to deal him for a big. San Antonio Express-News / October 20

The only thing that I could see that would work salary-wise would be Burke and a pick for Diener.

Just a thought. I suppose, with Banks on the roster, Diener is unnecessary. If we really want a Nash replacement, we could go with Banks or look for a pg in the draft next year.

 

[Nash]

Interesting trade idea...I proposed the same on a different thread last week

Oh no! Please don't bring up Diener. I've been hollering along with you all off season to get that dude here. He would be damn good with the Suns. In fact he doesn't stand a chance in Orlando with Jameer Nelson and Carlos Arroyo ahead of him.
Trade proposal : Burke for Diener
Diener was a 2nd round pick, so I'm sure their salaries match..

 

[The Commish]

A lot of us really wanted this guy outta college and this is the chance we have been waiting for to nab him. Perhaps James Jones could be involved?

 

[Espo]

I love Diener as PG and replacement for Nash but I don't see the need for him here now that Banks is on the squad. I think Banks is the PG they hope to take Nash's place or at least help fill the gap after he leaves. I also don't see Orlando wanting Burke if they are looking for legitimate depth.

 

[Mainstreet]

If Travis Deiner is the best future PG candidate to replace Nash, I think the Suns should consider him. I know the Suns have Banks, but the Suns could carry 3 PG's as some teams are reportedly doing. Nash's health is not guaranteed for the future and PG for the Suns may be one of the most important positions on the team. However, I know height in the backcourt for the Suns would be a problem. There are also the contractual issues as well as chemistry issues to be considered. I just know a lot of people have been high on Deiner for a long time. If Burke and the Suns pick in the draft could get it done... I think it should at least be considered. To be honest, I have never even seen Deiner play.

 

[asudevil83]

the problem i see is that Diener is on the last year of his contract. so, in order to hold onto him for the future, the suns would have to either give him a decent contract and let him sit on the end of the bench, or trade Banks to allow Diener to make his money's worth.

with the suns going deep into LT territory, it doesnt make much sense to re-up him, let him sit on the end of the bench, AND pay him twice his contract's worth (because of the LT).

 

[SO91]

I saw him play in college and from what I can remember the kid can really shoot it

 

[Joe Mama]

The interest is there. Just not sure if the Phoenix Suns have what it will take to get him. Yes, banks was brought in to be the backup point guard, but what happens if Steve Nash or one of these other guys gets injured? He would fit very nicely into our system.

Joe

 

[Errntknght]

I'm not sure that we'd be better off with another PG on the team. It can go either way when you have a surplus at a position - sometimes the competition sharpens the guys and other times no player gets into a good rhythm. One of the toughest spots in the league is backing up Nash and D'Antoni has certainly not shown anything remotely resembling a deft touch handling his backups so I'd rather not have him in a situation where he has two guys to manipulate.

 

[JCSunsfan]

The piece we can least afford to lose this year is Nash. If Nash goes down, for an extended time (God forbid) picking up Diener could be a real help. I'm not sure we have a pg on the team outside of Nash who could start, and play extended minutes.

So, even if its just for this year, and just for insurance, Diener would be valuable.

 

[Nash]

Diener played for Marquette which is in the same conference as the univ I went to - Cincinnati. I've seen him play in person and believe me, the guy is damn good. He's a very good shooter and runs the point very well. He's an excellent leader on the court and I've always thought he'd be a very good backup for Nash.

Our salary cap situation is pretty tight. Its funny we signed Pike to a 2 yr contract and have ourselves tied up to him. I really hope the Suns try to acquire Diener. On the flip side, errntknght has a good point about D'Antoni's inability to juggle his reserves effectively.

 

[asuhoopsnut]

Why not throw in the rights to Vujanic?

The Suns still have the rights to Milos Vujanic, who is now healthy (passed the teams physical before signing) and playing in Greece. He can be bought out of his contract. Burke, one of our probable 3 2007 first round picks (preferably the Sun's own pick), and the rights to Vujanic for Diener. Who would you rather have on the end of your bench, Burke or Diener? I think it would be a no brainer, Diener in a landslide over Burke!!!!!!!!

 

[green machine]

The Suns still have the rights to Milos Vujanic, who is now healthy (passed the teams physical before signing) and playing in Greece. He can be bought out of his contract. Burke, one of our probable 3 2007 first round picks (preferably the Sun's own pick), and the rights to Vujanic for Diener. Who would you rather have on the end of your bench, Burke or Diener? I think it would be a no brainer, Diener in a landslide over Burke!!!!!!!!

One of the first rounders? Not sure if I'd go for that.

But I would like to see the team land Deiner.

 

[George O'Brien]

Right now the Suns have only four guards. Yes, Marion or JR or Boris could play guard in a pinch, but the Suns cannot really afford an injury to anybody. Diener is very small for a guard, but he can shoot the three.