This is getting tiresome, but the blog-world is overflowing with trade rumors regarding the Suns. Over the past few days, my google-alert for the Phoenix Suns has had 7 or 8 links a day talking about this trade or that. A few points to bring these rumors into context:
- It's true, Robert Sarver (Suns owner) has said a few things in the past about not wanting any part of the luxury tax. However, those comments were prior to the bitter end of their playoffs. At the press conference introducing Steve Kerr, a few local radio folks talked with him and he seems to have softened on that stance. Phoenix (the team) has made a ton of money, and even if he's not a Walton (like the friggin Nuggets owner), he can afford to go over the cap. The key is, you only get so many chances to win a championship in a given generation. The Suns are RIGHT THERE with the current team. I don't think Sarver wants to look back in a couple of years or decades and wonder what would have happened if he'd spent a few million bucks. So, I don't think there's a great deal of pressure from ownership to cut payroll. In fact, I think there's more interest in winning.
- All these rumors are coming from blogs / newspapers of teams wanting to acquire Shawn Marion. None of them are originating in Phoenix. That's important, because I don't think Phoenix is shopping anyone right now. Kerr has been on the job for all of a week, and I don't think he's trading a franchise cornerstone in his first 30 days on the job. I'm sure he's answering the phone when teams call with offers, but I don't see any indication Phoenix is making the calls right now.
- Steve Kerr, in his introductory press conference, said flat out that he's not looking to make big changes to the team. He likes the coach, the team, the style of play, and is only looking to tweak things. Trading Marion does not sound like a 'tweak'.
I talked already about the Wallace for Marion (plus a few pieces) trade, it's not in Phoenix's best interest. It makes them worse defensively, and may or may not make them better offensively. At the same time, it's a massive risk in terms of locker room chemistry. Frankly, I don't want a 24-year old Stoudemire learning at the knee of Rasheed Wallace.
The newest wrinkle is a trade with Boston for the #5 pick and a few pieces (Delonte West and others). This is a re-building move, acquiring youth as opposed to adding pieces to win now. Boston would LOVE this trade, mostly because they're afraid of Ainge making the pick, but it makes no sense for Phoenix. Phoenix is equiped to win next year and the year after. Sacrificing that for some unknown (especially at #5) is, well, stupid. The only way I can see Phoenix making this move, is if they package the pick and use it as a stepping stone to something that makes more sense. Not likely at all.
I've said before that the only way you move a core piece of the team, is if your getting a Kobe or KG in return. I'll ammend that to include Kevin Durant. Reality is, neither Portland nor Seattle would make that move.
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