I've noticed Dice is not getting the ball as part of plays, but it is not clear how much he has practiced with the team at full speed.
The original article was speculating that the Nets would offer the small cap minumum or about $1.5 million. That would not make enough difference to matter.
Would anyone offer Dice $3 to $4 million? It depends on how much risk they are willing to take.
In another context, it was noted that the Colangelos have usually had good luck in keeping people and getting the people they want. The key is whether they WANT Dice.
Like every discussion on this board, it all comes down to Kobe. If the Suns signed Kobe, they would not be ABLE to offer more than veteran minimum. However, if they told Dice they would give him a one year $3 million contract if waits until Kobe is decided one way or another, the Suns could have a good chance.
WHY THE SUNS MIGHT WANT HIM
A lot depends on the draft. If the Suns got Okafor or Howard, they would probably not care if they had Dice. But if they do not, a healthy Dice could easily get 25-30 minutes a game backing up Amare and along with Amare in a small ball lineup.
Some of tt would depend on the relationship between Dice and Amare. Dice could become a mentor to Amare and push him to play better. One team as young as the Suns, a veteran like Dice could be extremely valuable.
Also, Stoudemire has lost time with injuries and this may be a continuing problem. Having a quality backup could prove invaluable.
WHY DICE MIGHT WANT TO STAY
I doubt that gratitude would be important. But he might not want to be forced to play 35 minutes a game on his knee - at least not for a while. Staying with the Suns would be a low pressure environment.
Dice may want to wait a year before seeking a long term contract. With his injury risk, no one is going to offer him a multi-year contract for more than about $2 a year. But if he is healthy all of next season and shows good stats, he could get a much better long term contract the following year. It is a gamble, but why lock into to a four year $8 to $10 million deal when waiting could generate a four year $20 to $25 million deal.
If the Suns fail to sign Kobe, they could easily match any one year deal that another team might offer and still pick up a mid level FA.
If the Suns do sign Kobe, Dice might decide he would like to stay and get a shot a ring.
WHATEVER
The original trade was based on the notion that the only value Dice would have would be his expiring contract. In a sense, the next 25 games or so provide an opportunity for the Suns to evaluate Dice, but the final decision is as if they were signing an FA.