Thomas very willing to stick around

[KingLouieLouie]

First, I must admit that I erred because I always thought that both Diaw's and Barbosa's contracts expired immediately after the season....

Despite of that oversight, however, the Suns still must be fiscally responsible... TT will more than likely demand a 3-4 year deal for starter type money.... Therefore, by the summer of '07 when the Suns must find a creative/innovative way of signing Diaw and Barbosa to maxed-out type contracts, and if indeed the Suns do re-sign TT to a long-term deal, that will really prevent the Suns from guaranteeing both Diaw and Barbosa to the money they both so deserve.....

Im not completely an advocate of dealing KT and I do know that his trade value is at an all-time low.. that also Amare was the one who essentially orchestrated the Suns to lure him away from the Knicks, but I just cannot envision the Suns being able to equally distribute minutes..and especially KT and TT both signed to contracts that would far exceed their roles....

Anyways... I do agree w/the assertion that it's best not to discuss offseason moves when you're in the midst of post-season play, so we should concentrate all our energies to this series that begins tonite.....

 

[Chaplin]

He definitely couldn't have said anything better.

We have talked off and on about when the Suns were going to start getting players to sign for less in order to chase a ring (like Payton, Finley ect. ect.)

Maybe Thomas will be the first

The first what?

We've always had the reputation of finding players like that--remember the mid-90s and Rex Chapman, Danny Manning and Wayman Tisdale?

 

[thegrahamcrackr]

The first what?

We've always had the reputation of finding players like that--remember the mid-90s and Rex Chapman, Danny Manning and Wayman Tisdale?

With this championship group

 

[Chaplin]

First, I must admit that I erred because I always thought that both Diaw's and Barbosa's contracts expired immediately after the season....

Despite of that oversight, however, the Suns still must be fiscally responsible... TT will more than likely demand a 3-4 year deal for starter type money.... Therefore, by the summer of '07 when the Suns must find a creative/innovative way of signing Diaw and Barbosa to maxed-out type contracts, and if indeed the Suns do re-sign TT to a long-term deal, that will really prevent the Suns from guaranteeing both Diaw and Barbosa to the money they both so deserve.....

Im not completely an advocate of dealing KT and I do know that his trade value is at an all-time low.. that also Amare was the one who essentially orchestrated the Suns to lure him away from the Knicks, but I just cannot envision the Suns being able to equally distribute minutes..and especially KT and TT both signed to contracts that would far exceed their roles....

Anyways... I do agree w/the assertion that it's best not to discuss offseason moves when you're in the midst of post-season play, so we should concentrate all our energies to this series that begins tonite.....

Print it--the Suns will NOT sign Tim Thomas to a large, lucrative deal. The only way it will be large if it's like a 3 year, 6 or 7million deal. In the current state of the NBA, Thomas will most likely reject a contract like that. But there's no way we're going to offer him more than 2 or 2.5 million per.

 

[KingLouieLouie]

Print it--the Suns will NOT sign Tim Thomas to a large, lucrative deal. The only way it will be large if it's like a 3 year, 6 or 7million deal. In the current state of the NBA, Thomas will most likely reject a contract like that. But there's no way we're going to offer him more than 2 or 2.5 million per.

I was just stating that I hope that he doesnt demand such a contract... At 29, he may very well be trying to sign his last contract and obviously would want to be w/team that he might have a better opportunity to start... I sincerely hope that the urge to play w/championship calibre team will be enough to compensate for not getting top dollar.....

The best case scenario would for TT to re-sign w/the Suns to a 1-2 year contract, to prove his worth and then by that time he will earn that lucrative long-term contract... But we obviously all know that it is a mutual decision between TT/his agent and the Suns brass, so we shall see... I dont know how though he would reject that type of contract if the opportunity presented itself......

 

[Chaz]

Why does everyone insist that someone will have to be traded before next year?

If they know that they'll need to make a cost-cutting trade anyway, it might make more sense to do it this summer than later. In the summer of 2007, everyone else will know that they're over a barrel financially, and they might be forced to accept an ugly offer. I still have nightmares about the Gugliotta trade -- the Jazz knew that the Suns had to shed salary, so they were able to demand a king's ransom.

Not to completely disagree with the premise of you comment because it does have merit but the Gugliotta trade is a horrible example.

That trade was made to make the books look right to sell the team. As close to a "one time" scenario as you can get.

I think what Sarver is really trying to aviod here is the luxury tax. I am sure any contract they offer TT will be with the tax implications in mind.

I am not saying they won't make some a deal to clear more room this summer but it is not a necessity at this point. I imagine they would even consider taking a short term hit finacally or risk losing a player to FA to give them the best shot at a championship run next year.

 

[nathan]

It would be great if he wanted to come cheap a la Danny Manning/Wayman Tisdale but I doubt it's going to happen.

 

[SunsTzu]

If they know that they'll need to make a cost-cutting trade anyway, it might make more sense to do it this summer than later. In the summer of 2007, everyone else will know that they're over a barrel financially, and they might be forced to accept an ugly offer. I still have nightmares about the Gugliotta trade -- the Jazz knew that the Suns had to shed salary, so they were able to demand a king's ransom.

Yeah, then there's the JJ trade that totally screwed the Suns.

I think it would be in the Suns best intrest to keep as many of the current roster together for a title run next year and worry about the aftermath next offseason. You have to worry about the first title before you worry about the next imo.

 

[Skkorpion]

You guys are in denial, still. Why? Because Amare is done. Of course we'll re-sign TT.

 

[Chaplin]

You guys are in denial, still. Why? Because Amare is done. Of course we'll re-sign TT.

LOL

No offense Skkorp, but you have no clue just as much as the rest of us.

 

[Chaz]

Skkorpion, the original Suns darksider.

 

[az1965]

It is highly unlikely that Kurt Thomas will be traded this summer. One, his value is low because of the injury and two, he was requested by Amare and they haven't played more than a few games together.

Isn't that zero games together?

 

[Nasser22]

This is good. I think the Suns should keep the whole team around next season which they can especially if Thomas takes a little more money. Then the off-season after we can trade Shawn with someone else. I think it's too early to get rid of him. After next year is when we should try to unload his contract and someone else's maybe.

 

[boisesuns]

Yeah, then there's the JJ trade that totally screwed the Suns.

I think it would be in the Suns best intrest to keep as many of the current roster together for a title run next year and worry about the aftermath next offseason. You have to worry about the first title before you worry about the next imo.

 

[Chaplin]

Isn't that zero games together?

I didn't remember if Amare had played in an preseason games.

 

[tlim]

Instead of T-Squared, Tim Thomas' nickname is T-Money. His shot is flat out money.

 

[Gaddabout]

Does anyone here think Thomas doesn't recognize the salary cap problems? Does anyone here think Thomas doesn't realize a future of reduced playing time with Amare and KT coming back?

His comment is probably heavily tinged from the high of winning Game 7, but I think the guy's also probably spent a lot of time thinking about it, too. He's enjoying himself and, considering the money he's literally stolen from the Knicks, I would not at all be surprised to see him stick around for an LLE. The Suns have to have 12 players under contract, anyway, and there's always room in the rotation for an athletic 6-10 utility forward who can shoot and score and grab rebounds.

I think Thomas' playoff heroics have officially ended the Skita experiment before it ever got off the ground. He's exactly what they thought Skita might be, and he's only 29.

 

[Nasser22]

I think TT might hang around for another year with decent money to have a chance at a championship and also look good with Nash passing to him. Then he can finish out his career with a nice contract and a ring somewhere else.

 

[arthurracoon]

Isn't that zero games together?

yup

 

[Arizona's Finest]

“People say you can never have too much money. Well I’ve made my share. Money’s not what I’m missing. This — being in the chase, on a great team with a great group — is what I was missing. And I’m going to make sure I do all I can from my end to make sure it lasts.”

I'm obviously skeptical myself about TT's chances of coming back but i will admit in my twelve years of closely following sports I dont think i have ever heard of a player joining a team midseason and making a statement quite like this. I think he has seen the darkside of poor chemistry, mismanagement, and the poor culture that festers on a losing team. And 100 Million dollars is ALOT of money, and I am the first guy to say the players are ALL about the money. I think if he gets a lot bigger offer from a team he can justify is as good as a contender he might go, but i can guarantee he will not leave for HUGE money to a losing team. I can tell by his words, that story about Nazr, and knowing his career. There is a lot to be said about getting this kind of recognition during this month where everything is magnified. Plus players start thinking about their legacies at about Tim's point.

No matter how he felt all year, Its an obvious statement Joe Johnson wishs he was a Phoenix Sun at this point of the year.

How about this theory? Maybe D'antoni views Thomas as a cheaper version of Marion and they see what they can get for Shawn in a trade. I really believe that D'Anoni thinks he can get near Marion production from a player that makes alot less money. Plus i think he wants a better shooter at that position. Only Nash and Amare are irreplaceable in his offense .....

 

[MaoTosiFanClub]

Talk is cheap. NBA basketball players on the other hand are not.

I won't care that much when Thomas leaves for more money this offseason. He's been a career underachiever who's playing well in his contract year. Beware those types of players.

 

[Nasser22]

“People say you can never have too much money. Well I’ve made my share. Money’s not what I’m missing. This — being in the chase, on a great team with a great group — is what I was missing. And I’m going to make sure I do all I can from my end to make sure it lasts.”

I'm obviously skeptical myself about TT's chances of coming back but i will admit in my twelve years of closely following sports I dont think i have ever heard of a player joining a team midseason and making a statement quite like this. I think he has seen the darkside of poor chemistry, mismanagement, and the poor culture that festers on a losing team. And 100 Million dollars is ALOT of money, and I am the first guy to say the players are ALL about the money. I think if he gets a lot bigger offer from a team he can justify is as good as a contender he might go, but i can guarantee he will not leave for HUGE money to a losing team. I can tell by his words, that story about Nazr, and knowing his career. There is a lot to be said about getting this kind of recognition during this month where everything is magnified. Plus players start thinking about their legacies at about Tim's point.

No matter how he felt all year, Its an obvious statement Joe Johnson wishs he was a Phoenix Sun at this point of the year.

How about this theory? Maybe D'antoni views Thomas as a cheaper version of Marion and they see what they can get for Shawn in a trade. I really believe that D'Anoni thinks he can get near Marion production from a player that makes alot less money. Plus i think he wants a better shooter at that position. Only Nash and Amare are irreplaceable in his offense .....

You're joking right? The only thing Thomas can get even close to Marion are points(maybe) and FT%. He's a bad defender and a pretty bad rebounder. Marion is much more important and will not be traded this offseason.

 

[elindholm]

If Thomas is really willing to stick around for cheap, I could see the Suns trying to dump Jones to make room for Thomas's salary. I like Jones and would prefer that the Suns keep him, but if you had to pick one or the other right now for the next couple of years, I think it would have to be Thomas.

 

[elindholm]

Only Nash and Amare are irreplaceable in his offense .....

And Diaw. He's become amazing all of a sudden.

 

[Nasser22]

I'm not as worried about TT getting lazy though like he's rumored to be. Kurt Thomas got him here and they are friends. I think he will get him to keep working. And obviously if Thomas turns down more money he wants to win so I'd expect him to do fine.