Kobe? Shaq? TMac? Suns Have to Choose...

[silverstyne]

This is probably the most crucuial moment EVER for the Phoenix Suns in their entire history. The decisions that they will decide in this summer is colossal. One slip-up, one single mistake could destroy the bright, golden future they have strived so hard to prepare for. This summer, the Suns hold all the cards - we have the trade pieces, we have the cap space, and we have the draft picks, we have the youth/potential and finally we have the reputation (as a player's team). Now, Suns fans, our team can choose to go after 3 of the leagues BEST players... Who should we choose? (I believe we dawdle to long either because other teams may strike quickly). So choose...

A. Kobe
B. Shaq
C. TMac
D. Others (Nash, Okur, etc...)

I believe that Suns fans have a right to be heard. So Front Office, here is the sentiment of your customers...

 

[elindholm]

Bryant most likely isn't available. The Lakers' decision to trade O'Neal (if they do) will be based on the knowledge that they're retaining Bryant.

I'd rather have McGrady than O'Neal, but I'm not thrilled about either. I think there is no chance that the Suns would give up Stoudemire for McGrady, but there is a slight chance they would give him up for O'Neal. Would that be a mistake? Probably.

If the Suns could get O'Neal without giving up Stoudemire, then sure, why not go for it. But it's very difficult to see how that could happen. The Lakers will surely get better offers than Marion and Joe Johnson.

 

[Joe Mama]

Bryant most likely isn't available. The Lakers' decision to trade O'Neal (if they do) will be based on the knowledge that they're retaining Bryant.

I'd rather have McGrady than O'Neal, but I'm not thrilled about either. I think there is no chance that the Suns would give up Stoudemire for McGrady, but there is a slight chance they would give him up for O'Neal. Would that be a mistake? Probably.

If the Suns could get O'Neal without giving up Stoudemire, then sure, why not go for it. But it's very difficult to see how that could happen. The Lakers will surely get better offers than Marion and Joe Johnson.

I'm sorry, but there is absolutely zero chance that the Phoenix Suns will trade Amare Stoudemire for Tracy McGrady, Shaquille O'Neal, or anyone else this summer. They love him.

Joe Mama

 

[RON_IN_OC]

This is probably the most crucuial moment EVER for the Phoenix Suns in their entire history. The decisions that they will decide in this summer is colossal. One slip-up, one single mistake could destroy the bright, golden future they have strived so hard to prepare for. This summer, the Suns hold all the cards - we have the trade pieces, we have the cap space, and we have the draft picks, we have the youth/potential and finally we have the reputation (as a player's team). Now, Suns fans, our team can choose to go after 3 of the leagues BEST players... Who should we choose? (I believe we dawdle to long either because other teams may strike quickly). So choose...

A. Kobe
B. Shaq
C. TMac
D. Others (Nash, Okur, etc...)

I believe that Suns fans have a right to be heard. So Front Office, here is the sentiment of your customers...

I wouldn't say this is the MOST crucial moment ever for the Suns...and no, if the f*&# this up, it won't completely destroy the future of the team...I can remember several screw ups, in the past (William Bedford, Dennis Johnson, Antonio McD., etc, etc, etc) that have hurt this team probably far more than choosing between these three knuckle heads ever could. With the choices you are giving us, I think choosing Shaq would be the only bad choice...We'd have to give up way too much talent to get him, and he'd only play here for a year and then "opt out". Too much to lose and very little to gain. Don't take him, whatever you do. JMHO

 

[George O'Brien]

In another thread I posted a report by the Charlotte Observer saying that the deal will be White, money and A FUTURE DRAFT PICK. They even gave him a nice writeup, which suggests they are preparing their fans for it. If true, this means the Suns will be in the hunt this summer.

What will the Suns do? Here are my best guesses:

1. They will draft a wing player: Iggy, Childress, or Jackson.
2. They will talk to Kobe and offer him $98 million. He will decline.
3. They will offer Nash a contract starting at about $5.5 to $6 million.
4. They will make above the MLE offers to Etan Thomas and Foyle.
5. They WILL figure out a way to bring Vujanic over
6. They will resign Dice to a two year deal.
7. There will be dozens of trade discussions including Marion and none will turn into anything.

 

[elindholm]

1. They will draft a wing player: Iggy, Childress, or Jackson.

Most likely yes. I think Gordon is also possible, if he's on the board.

2. They will talk to Kobe and offer him $98 million. He will decline.

I agree.

3. They will offer Nash a contract starting at about $5.5 to $6 million.

Unlikely that they offer it, and no chance that he takes it. Cuban can outbid that with one wallet tied behind his back, and he will.

4. They will make above the MLE offers to Etan Thomas and Foyle.

I like both of those players, but anything above the MLE would be an overpayment. Thomas isn't really a center -- and don't freaking quote me his rebound numbers, for chrissakes -- and Foyle has injury questions.

5. They WILL figure out a way to bring Vujanic over

Maybe, but big deal. I don't see him as a major contributor.

6. They will resign Dice to a two year deal.

I really hope you're wrong about this.

7. There will be dozens of trade discussions including Marion and none will turn into anything.

You're right about the dozens of discussions. I put the chance of Marion being traded at about 40%.

 

[pokerface]

Kobe is looking like a no go but I'm hoping the Suns have an inside scoop on Kobe since they're still dumping White

Tmac is looking very possible but other teams have stepped up with legit offers so it can go either way

Suns have stated interest in Nash and Okur but I think thats what they might settle on if everything else fails. I really doubt they are real interested...depends on the price.

OK maybe its just me but WHY not a single word by Suns management on Pavel?? Either the Suns wrote Pavel off like most of you have OR they're trying to keep Pavel off the radar. Really I dont care if you totally hate Pavel wouldnt you still feel you have to check him out closer to make sure? That is unless the Suns checked him out enough and made up their minds?!

 

[fordronken]

Bryant most likely isn't available. The Lakers' decision to trade O'Neal (if they do) will be based on the knowledge that they're retaining Bryant.

I think either way, you want Shaq gone. He doesn't like the top brass anymore, but more importantly, there are two main factors:

• If Kobe stays, Shaq will have to leave. I predicted to my friends during game 5, purely off of body language, that if Kobe were to come back, Phil and Shaq would be gone.

•If Kobe leaves, Shaq will be a waste on a low level playoff team with no hope for future help until he retires.

 

[Skkorpion]

In another thread I posted a report by the Charlotte Observer saying that the deal will be White, money and A FUTURE DRAFT PICK. They even gave him a nice writeup, which suggests they are preparing their fans for it. If true, this means the Suns will be in the hunt this summer.

What will the Suns do? Here are my best guesses:

1. They will draft a wing player: Iggy, Childress, or Jackson.
2. They will talk to Kobe and offer him $98 million. He will decline.
3. They will offer Nash a contract starting at about $5.5 to $6 million.
4. They will make above the MLE offers to Etan Thomas and Foyle.
5. They WILL figure out a way to bring Vujanic over
6. They will resign Dice to a two year deal.
7. There will be dozens of trade discussions including Marion and none will turn into anything.

What he said. Except the Nash offer.

 

[elindholm]

Suns have stated interest in Nash and Okur

I don't think this is true. I haven't read any reports at all directly linking the Suns to Nash or Okur. It's one media guy who made it up months ago, and now everyone else is copying him.

 

[slinslin]

Nash could be a really good fit depending on wether we draft Smith, Iguodala or Livingston or Gordon.

But Okur? I would rather have Dampier, Etan Thomas, Stromile Swift and their might be others available in trading for their contracts.

Okur looked bad in the playoffs.

 

[Yuma]

Shaq is supposed to be paid 29.5 million next season. We have to trade almost all of what we have left, assuming White is already a Bobcat, just to get withing the 15% difference in salary. So Shaq is really out of our range. With Kobe SUPPOSEDLY being offered so much salary and power, he stays in LA. He would be stupid not to do so. That leaves Tmac. we may have a shot at him without giving up too much. However we allready lack depth, and a trade for him would make that worse, ala we would be the new Magic. Why would he do that? If Shaq really wants to play in Orlando, if I'm Tmac, I stay my last year and see how that works, or be traded to LA, a much bigger market, and play with Kobe. I don't see many scenarios that have us in the mix for the big three! I know Jerry C. would probably bust a nut to get Shaq, but that would take farming everyone out, probably Amare, too. That's just stupid! I think we are better off signing a few vets and letting our youth develop at this point. Not exciting, but not bad, either. However that all goes out the window when you figure Shaq or Tmac would put butts in the seats. The casual fans would swarm the AWA to see Shaq.

 

[slinslin]

No we don't we are under the cap and don't have to get 15% within what Shaq is making.

 

[thegrahamcrackr]

Shaq is supposed to be paid 29.5 million next season. We have to trade almost all of what we have left, assuming White is already a Bobcat, just to get withing the 15% difference in salary. So Shaq is really out of our range.

OMG yuma, read one of my responses for god sakes. I have answered this question twice so far.

 

[Yuma]

OMG yuma, read one of my responses for god sakes. I have answered this question twice so far.

Just not eloquently enough fo rme to understand correctly! I refuse to call MYSELF an idiot! Elinholm explained it in geezer speak I could understand, since I am old, too!

 

[George O'Brien]

No we don't we are under the cap and don't have to get 15% within what Shaq is making.

IF you are $30 million under.

BTW, I really am afraid they will go after Nash which I consider a huge blunder.

On Etan Thomas (and possibly Foyle), I think he will get close to the MLE depending on how his health checks out. The unfortunate fact is that this is about the going rate for backup centers. I'm not sure there are any bargains any more.

 

[slinslin]

No like elindholm already explained we would only have to get within the difference of what Shaq is making and the capspace we have.

 

[sunsfan88]

Did the Suns really ever have a chance at getting Kobe?

 

[ninous26]

Yes and no.. Kind of. If I remember properly Kobe was listening to offers from the clippers, suns, and a couple of other eastern conference teams.

Did my "2004 NBA Free Agency" thread spark your search for this thread? jw.

 

[sunsfan88]

No I just went to the last page and started reading the really old threads. I was just curious.

Its pretty interesting.

 

[Bufalay]

BTW, I really am afraid they will go after Nash which I consider a huge blunder.

nice

 

[Budden]

BTW, I really am afraid they will go after Nash which I consider a huge blunder.

I disagree. I think if we sign Nash, he'll win at least 2 MVPs - heck, he'll probably be deserving of 3, but I am not sure he'll be able to get that last one. Maybe, one day, we'll be able to sign Grant Hill. I predict he will one day be healthy again and develop into a great defensive stopper. And has anyone been watching this Jared Dudley kid? He looks like someone we should try to get, someday.

 

[BC867]

I disagree. I think if we sign Nash, he'll win at least 2 MVPs - heck, he'll probably be deserving of 3, but I am not sure he'll be able to get that last one. Maybe, one day, we'll be able to sign Grant Hill. I predict he will one day be healthy again and develop into a great defensive stopper. And has anyone been watching this Jared Dudley kid? He looks like someone we should try to get, someday.

I bet you think that the Packers will beat the Steelers in the Super Bowl, too.