Here's a statement from local media regarding the James Jones rumor and a rehashing of the info RE: Finley:
Interest runs deep for free agent Finley By Jerry Brown, Tribune August 17, 2005 What two things do the Detroit Pistons, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns and San Antonio Spurs have in common? All four teams reached the NBA’s conference finals in June.
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And all four want free agent guard Michael Finley to help them make a return visit next season.
Finley became an unrestricted free agent late Monday night when the Dallas Mavericks waived him under the one-time "amnesty’’ provision of the collective bargaining agreement. Sources say the Suns were the first team of eight or nine to reach Finley’s agent, Henry Thomas, early Tuesday morning and the team is putting on the fullcourt press in an attempt to bring the former Sun back to town.
Phoenix was already trying to set up a meeting with Finley — either going to him or having him come to Arizona — an indication that a quick decision is unlikely. He will not even clear waivers for seven days.
Of the teams that made contact, Detroit, Miami, Phoenix and San Antonio figure to have the best chance, with the Denver Nuggets looked upon as a dark horse to snag the two-time All-Star who still has $51.9 million coming from Dallas and now is looking for the best situation.
"(Finley) is in the process of narrowing it down and focusing on what teams he’d like to go to,’’ Thomas said. "He’s most interested in going to a situation where he has a chance to win a championship.
"(Money) will be looked at along with other factors, and ultimately Michael will have to prioritize.’’
If money really matters, the Suns can’t match up. They have the least amount to offer Finley — the veteran’s minimum of $1.138 million — while Detroit, Miami and Denver have their full mid-level exception of $5 million. San Antonio has part of its exception — less than the other three teams, but still more than Phoenix.
But from a comfort level, the Suns will rank highly:
• Phoenix made Finley the 21st overall pick of the 1995 draft and as recently as May, Finley spoke about how he enjoyed Arizona and the warmth of the fans. Even after he was traded to Dallas the day after Christmas in 1996, a deal that brought Jason Kidd to Phoenix, the connection has remained.
• Finley has a close relationship with former Maverick and reigning NBA MVP Steve Nash and was upset when Dallas allowed him to leave for Phoenix last summer. Even after undergoing ankle surgery in the offseason, Finley made an appearance at Nash’s charity basketball game in Toronto last month.
• With Joe Johnson headed to Atlanta, the Suns have an opening at the shooting guard spot and plenty of playing time for a player coming off career-low numbers last year hoping to prove he can still be an impact player.
With Detroit and San Antonio, Finley would come off the bench. In Miami, he would likely play small forward. Denver can offer him the playing time, but not the chance to play for a legitimate contender.
While there are no other amnesty players that interest Phoenix, sources indicate the Suns are also looking at 6-foot-8 Indiana forward James Jones, a restricted free agent, as a possibility whether or not Finley goes elsewhere.
Jones, a 2003 second-round pick out of Miami (Fla.), played in 75 games with the Pacers last season, averaging 4.7 points and just more than 16 minutes while shooting almost 40 percent from 3-point range.
The Suns are over the salary cap and can’t sign Jones outright, but will have a $4.9 million trade exception once the Johnson deal with Atlanta is finalized — which could allow them to use it for a signand trade deal with the Pacers. The deal with Atlanta, which will bring guard Boris Diaw and two protected firstround picks, is expected to be completed by Friday.
Miami Heat Pros
• Can offer the $5 million midlevel exception.
• The chance to play for a title contender and enjoy Miami/ South Beach lifestyle.
• Shares agent (Henry Thomas) with Heat star Dwyane Wade.
• Knows coach Stan Van Gundy from their days at Wisconsin.
Cons
• Switching to the Eastern Conference for the first time.
• Does he want to start over with a new team?
• A logjam at shooting guard, minutes could be limited.
• Jason Williams is no Steve Nash. Antoine Walker? Enough said.
Phoenix Suns Pros
• A former Sun, he knows the city, fans and organization.
• Would step into the starting shooting guard spot.
• Reuniting with close friend and point guard Steve Nash.
• A chance to haunt Mavs owner Mark Cuban.
Cons
• Can only offer the veteran minimum of $1.138 million.
• Organization traded him away. Can you go home again?
• Are the Suns still a championship threat?
• Must share minutes with Jimmy Jackson and Raja Bell.
San Antonio Spurs Pros
• Count the rings, baby.
• The ultimate team concept is up his alley.
• A chance to stay in Texas, just a short flight from Dallas.
• With a short bench, still playing time available.
Cons
• Can only offer the veteran minimum of $1.138 million.
• Won’t be a starter, and probably not a finisher.
• How many shots are left after Duncan, Parker, Ginobili and Horry?
• Phoenix, Miami, San Antonio ... which lifestyle doesn’t match up?
Detroit Pistons Pros
• Has the $5 million exception.
• A championship-caliber team that could use another shooter.
• Larry Brown out, Flip Saunders in.
• A Midwest guy, he knows the area.
Cons
• Switching to the Eastern Conference for the first time.
• A big change from run-andgun Mavs to methodical Pistons.
• Probably coming off the bench. Playing time?
• With Brown gone, is the championship window still open?
