Trading Marion

F-Dog · July 2nd, 2007, 12:05 PM

We all know Shawn Marion is on the block. After "legit" trade rumors with Minnesota, Milwaukee and Detroit, the Suns spent their #29 pick on a small, athletic SF who should be able to play down and guard PGs, and they also used their second-round pick on a PG-defending specialist--moves consistent with the notion that the Suns are looking to replace Marion with a bigger, less athletic forward.

It seems clear to me that what's driving this is Marion's threat to opt out of his contract. The Suns aren't in shape financially to award Marion with another big contract, so there's a good chance they'll lose him for nothing, which might mark the end of the Steve Nash era in Phoenix. Obviously, the Suns would prefer to trade Marion and extend their window for another season or two...

...which is why it makes sense that they offered Marion for Odom. Though injury-prone, Odom is locked in for two years, while Marion's expiring contract would benefit the Lakers if they were capable of embracing harsh reality and finding a taker for Kobe.

Here are a few more moves that might provoke a "Why are they doing this?"

--Marion to Cleveland for Drew Gooden, Donyell Marshall and Shannon Brown

--Marion to Detroit for Rasheed Wallace and Jason Maxiell

--Marion to Golden State for Al Harrington and Sarunas Jasikevicius

--Marion to LA Clippers for Corey Maggette and Tim Thomas

If the Suns had a "good" Marion trade available to them, they would have done it already. If the Suns wind up moving Marion now, it will look like one of the above trades.

cheesebeef · July 2nd, 2007, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by F-Dog

--Marion to Detroit for Rasheed Wallace and Jason Maxiell

if we were able to sign Hill, I'd do this trade in a heartbeat.

Nash
Bell
Hill
Sheed
Amare

Leo
Boris
KT
Maxiell
Tucker

the starting lineup is a defensive dynamo, has three three point shooter and 4 guys that can literally create their own shot or post. It also gives us an honest to god, low-post defensive presence, one who regularly gives Duncan fits. And it makes our bench that much stronger, with size and still two guys who can create their own shot and set up others.

only thing is that team is ANCIENT. It's literally a one and done team. Although, does Sheed come off the books next year?

HooverDam · July 2nd, 2007, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by F-Dog

We all know Shawn Marion is on the block.

We do? At this point, I think any realistic moving of Marion is out the window, the Suns/D'Antoni want to keep the ship together and sail on for another season. They feel they got screwed last year and otherwise would have the title already.

F-Dog · July 2nd, 2007, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cheesebeef

if we were able to sign Hill, I'd do this trade in a heartbeat.

I was thinking I might be optimistic about the Suns getting Maxiell, and you've confirmed it.

I agree that Marion-for-Sheed makes a lot of sense for the Suns, though.

The Commish · July 2nd, 2007, 12:12 PM

If we trade Marion the only thing I'm concerned with replacing is rebounding. If we can get someone who can grab some boards then I don't think losing Marion will be as tough as everyone thinks. Remember, small forward is the most replaceable position on the floor.

nashman · July 2nd, 2007, 12:13 PM

The above clippers trade is not too bad if you had to move marion. Maggette is a pretty good athlete and can score and we've seen TT be serviceable defender and 3 point shooter. Thats an interesting one for me, what would the cap implications of that trade be?

F-Dog · July 2nd, 2007, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HooverDam

We do? At this point, I think any realistic moving of Marion is out the window, the Suns/D'Antoni want to keep the ship together and sail on for another season. They feel they got screwed last year and otherwise would have the title already.

So the part where the Suns have made documented Marion offers to three teams in the last week (and have already drafted his replacement) doesn't mean anything to you?

Absolute Zero · July 2nd, 2007, 12:15 PM

I love Marion, but the problem is that his salary is excessive and not marketable. He is not the "go to guy". He is a defensive stud and all around awesome role player who can fill up a stat line. I hope he stays on our team. But he is not "the man" and other teams aren't willing to pay him that kind of salary to bring about a trade. While there are other overpaid lesser players out there, that doesn't make trading for him appealing enough to other teams.

F-Dog · July 2nd, 2007, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nashman

The above clippers trade is not too bad if you had to move marion. Maggette is a pretty good athlete and can score and we've seen TT be serviceable defender and 3 point shooter. Thats an interesting one for me, what would the cap implications of that trade be?

Suns save money this year, Maggette has a player option next summer. Beyond that, the advantage is having TT on the books and being able to use their MLE for other needs.

elindholm · July 2nd, 2007, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by F-Dog

--Marion to Cleveland for Drew Gooden, Donyell Marshall and Shannon Brown

I don't think the Suns can afford to take that big a step down defensively.

Quote:

--Marion to Detroit for Rasheed Wallace and Jason Maxiell

Given that the Suns seem unwilling to address their big man needs through free agency, I'm warming to the possibility of a Wallace trade. I doubt Detroit wants Marion for him, though.

Quote:

--Marion to Golden State for Al Harrington and Sarunas Jasikevicius

Unspeakably horrible. The fans should burn the USAC to the ground if this trade happens.

Quote:

--Marion to LA Clippers for Corey Maggette and Tim Thomas

We know D'Antoni hates Thomas, so this trade is pointless unless accompanied by a coaching change. I'd consider Maggette and Cassell, though.

Quote:

If the Suns wind up moving Marion now, it will look like one of the above trades.

Any chance the Sonics want him? If Lewis doesn't get the max contract he's looking for, he might settle for near-max, and then the Suns could also get Ridnour.

cheesebeef · July 2nd, 2007, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by F-Dog

Suns save money this year, Maggette has a player option next summer. Beyond that, the advantage is having TT on the books and being able to use their MLE for other needs.

disadvantage is that team is a defensive sieve though.

F-Dog · July 2nd, 2007, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elindholm

Any chance the Sonics want him? If Lewis doesn't get the max contract he's looking for, he might settle for near-max, and then the Suns could also get Ridnour.

I'd like to see it, but I don't think the Sonics would be interested in one year of Marion--why not let Lewis walk for nothing and play the kids?--and I'm sure the Suns won't want to sign Lewis for what he wants, either.

The Suns don't have the salaries to bring back Ridnour IMO.

F-Dog · July 2nd, 2007, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elindholm

I don't think the Suns can afford to take that big a step down defensively.

If the Suns trade Marion, his replacement will line up exclusively at PF. SF minutes will be taken by Bell, Tucker and whoever they get in FA.

Even so, it's a big dip defensively, especially against Dallas. The Suns would have to improve their shooting markedly to make up the difference.

elindholm · July 2nd, 2007, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by F-Dog

I'm sure the Suns won't want to sign Lewis for what he wants, either.

The Suns don't have the salaries to bring back Ridnour IMO.

Well, that's what I meant. If reality hits Lewis and he has to settle for a deal that starts at $10 million or so, he and Ridnour add up to Marion (financially).

F-Dog · July 2nd, 2007, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elindholm

Well, that's what I meant. If reality hits Lewis and he has to settle for a deal that starts at $10 million or so, he and Ridnour add up to Marion (financially).

That would work fine the first year, but beyond that, I don't think the Suns are looking to make that kind of salary commitment--even for two players.