I agree that this article is pure speculation, but it isn't completely out of the rhelm of possibility.
We all know that BC has been eyeing Dalembert for the past couple of years. A lot of teams have. Athletic big man who is young and can run definately suits this teams' major need.
If I were BC I would pull the trigger if this ever presented itself. My one big concern with trading Marion has always been the fact that we would be losing rebounds and hustle points. However, Dalembert can grab boards, and is only getting better. Couple that with Amare getting better on the glass and above average backcourt rebounders (Q and JJ), I wouldn't anticipate too many problems in getting rebounds.
By obtaining Dalembert + Korver (or whoever), you also gain flexibilty with your pick at #21. Instead of praying that Diogu or Simien fall to us (which is a definate uncertainty right now), you have the ability to draft a swingman like Garcia, Gomes, Hodge, Warrick or Winston (I'm not saying all those guys will be available, but definately some will). You also wouldn't have to rely heavily on a rookie PF to grab boards (very few rookies rebound well- its usually learned over a couple years since guys are more athletic and technique is better.)
Then you can offer a guy like Stromile Swift, Shareef Abur-Rahim, Donyell Marshall, Chris Anderson the MLE.
Of course this would all have to depend on what Dalembert wants contract-wise since we know teams like Atlanta have the money to throw his way. It would also depend on what Philly wants to do since Mo Cheeks is now the head coach. But we do know that Marc Jackson has definately played well for them and they may just let Dalembert walk. If they don't want to let him walk for nothing, then this might be a good option for them.
We'll see what happens draft day, and see what happens with the CBA. But I think most of us agree that Marion would likely be the first one to be traded on this team (whether you want to keep him or not).
Let me make this clear to everyone who will probably say that I am bashing Marion and that I don't appreciate his efforts and performance: I think Shawn has been a tremendous player for us. He hustles his ass off every night, grabs boards, plays defense and has always done what he has been told. He is a player that everyone would love to have on his squad. But I think his value is at its peak right now, and that contract isnt getting any smaller, and he isn't getting any younger either (especially important considering his speed and leaping ability are his two main assets.)
Dalembert is about to enter his prime, and so are the Suns. We need that inside presence to take it to the next level, and in order to do that we need to give up a player plain and simple. Wing players like Shawn are easier to obtain in the draft than athletic big men that have proven themselves. The Suns have always drafted well, and I think they could find an adequate person to fill some minutes at the position. I'm not saying that we can just go out and get another Top 3 SF, but they are definately easier to find than a guy like Dalembert.
