Why Are There So Many Rumors About The Suns?

[George O'Brien]

After reading the rumor about the Suns being interested in Steve Nash, it struck me that the Suns seem to be a part of more than their share of rumors. In recent weeks, the Suns have been linked to Kobe, Okur, Nash, and a trade for T-Mac. I can't think of any other team that is subject to so many major player rumors.

Is it my imagination? I know I pay more attention to Suns rumors than questions about whether Joel Przybilla will re-sign with the Hawks (my idea of a truly trival deal). But except for maybe Sheed going to the Knicks, which seems to be a fantasy among the NY papers, I can't think of a major player deal rumor that does not at least mention the Suns.

Assuming there is something to what I'm saying, I've tried to figure out what this is. None of theories I've considered make much sense.

1. THE SUNS ARE LEAKING IDEAS AS TRIAL BALLOONS TO TEST REACTION: If that were the case, they could write off Okur and Nash. Seriously, I can't imagine them doing this.

2. THE STORIES ARE BEING PLANTED BY PLAYER AGENTS: This makes some sense, except it doesn't explain why Phoenix gets the attention. Atlanta, Utah, and Denver all have more cap space. Detroit, San Antionio, and the Clippers are about the same. The last three have guys they want to re-sign, but the first three certainly have the cap space.

3. SUNS HAVE A HISTORY OF MAKING BIG TRADES AND FREE AGENCY SIGNINGS: This is certainly true, but so do other teams. Why the Suns?

4. AMARE FACTOR: People think that Amare Stoudemire is the next super star, so other super players want to play with him. I know we would like to believe this, but is there any reason to think it is actually true?

5. INERTIA: Once a team gets "hot" in terms of one rumor, that team becomes an easier target for other rumors. If nothing else, whatever research went into talking about the first rumor can be used in future rumrs. Is there any reason to think this is how the process works?

I'm not sure what difference it makes. Rumors are just rumors, but it does seem a bit odd that the Suns have become rumor central.

 

[Evil Ash]

IMO Its a combination of 3 main things...

1) Cap space - For the first time in a while the Phoenix Suns have the ability to get players such as Kobe (with a little help), Nash, Okur, etc. When you have cap space and no one you really need to re-sign (like the Nuggets have to, for example, with Camby thats why they aren't mentioned in rumors) then you'll be mentioned in quite a few rumors

2) Players want/like to play here - This is due to a combination of things such as ... (a) a lot of players live here during the offseason and even those that don't live here know the Valley's reputation of being a nice place to live, (b) this team is seen as having plenty of potential with a player thats seems to be becoming an NBA superstar, (c) the owner having a reputation of only taking care of his players and his desire to win.

3) Ownership wanting to make a big splash - With the team being sold, its easy to believe that both the new ownership as well as Jerry C once again want to make a big splash. Jerry only has control over the team for 3 years, so he only has 3 more chances to get another championship. The new owners want this team to become the Valley's team again, thus making it more marketable and increase ticket sales. Of course, the best way to accomplish both the goals of the new and old ownership is by getting the best players available, preferably another superstar (like Kobe or TMAC).

 

[scotsman13]

george, the reasons for the rumor about the suns are simple.

the suns are known as a big time player in free agent market. for the first time since the lock out shorten season. the suns when the suns have had free agent money they have without fail pulled in the top free agents. ainge, chambers, manning, a.c. green, googs, hardaway, etc. with this team having dropped out of the playoffs most people assume that the suns will be moving back into playoff picture.

also on top of everything else the suns have a very good young team to build around. think about this would you trade our team for houston's? or denver, or memphis? i wouldnt. the suns have a much better foundation to build around in amare, marion and jj.

 

[Chaz]

The Suns scocked the world with the Marbury trade. I think it is natural to expect another major move to follow the creation of that cap space.