Kidd Trade Gets Interesting

So i wrote yesterday briefly about the Jason Kidd trade to the Mavs, which at the time seemed imminent. However, after a couple of interesting developments, maybe not as much.

The first is that role player Devean George exercised his option to veto the trade. He does not have a no-trade option, but rather a little-known and little-used option because of his second one-year contract with the Mavs. They are called early-bird rights, and basically it gives the Mavs the option of signing George to a contract exceeding the salary cap (thus more money) at the end of his current contract. If George is traded, he loses that right. Which is why he has the ability to veto any potential trade, in order to make the most possible money.

No one actually expected George to exercise that option, given that he is basically terrible (especially against the Suns, where he is notorious for putting dropping deuces in the middle of the court and being booed off the court when he played with the Lakers), and the Mavs were unlikely to sign him to much money, if at all. But, he had the right and chose to use it.

All of which i find hilarious. Like, really, really hilarious. The Mavs and Nets were ready to do this deal, with everyone involved already accepting the fact they were getting traded. The Nets held Kidd out of there game yesterday because of it. Jerry Stackhouse spoke to the media about being traded to the Nets, and what was going to happen when he got there (Much, much more on that in a paragraph or two). Dumb move Stack, dumb move).

After George exercised his option and it appeared the trade hit a snag, Dallas decided to play the players involved in the trade rumor (George, Diop, Stack and Harris). Well, sort of. Stack didn't play, Harris is hurt, Diop dropped in a whopping 4 points, and Devean George went a shittacular 0-11 with 0 points. Oh, and he got booed. Again. Ha ha ha!

As if this whole Devean George saga isn't funny enough (it is), there's the small little detail about Jerry Stackhouse. You see, apparently the Nets were going to buy out Stack once he got there (ED. Note: Finally have a link for this. Yesterday I couldn't find a story about this anywhere. How did i write about this before ESPN and the other big sites?) Why i'm not sure, because Stack is a good player and good actually help a Nets team that is currently sitting in the 7 spot for the playoffs. Regardless, the Nets told Stack of their plan, and apparently the Mavs are interested in re-signing Stack after the Nets buy him out.

Two things: First, after a person is traded and bought out, they must wait 30 days to re-sign with their former team (the Mavs). Second, you can't, you know, TELL PEOPLE THAT AGREEMENT IS ALREADY IN PLACE. Apparently Stack did not get the second memo. The NBA has this thing called the collective bargaining agreement, and the Mavs having an agreement in place to re-sign Stack would be a clear violation of that.

If that is the case, the trade could run into more problems, mainly those of David Stern and the NBA offices. If it is found they had an agreement in place, their will (should) be punishment from the NBA. What that punishment could be is up for speculation, but some things i have heard range from a veto of the trade alltogether to not allowing the Mavs to re-sign Stack at any point this season.

Whatever happens, it should be an interesting couple of days. I still feel the trade will happen, given that both teams want to do it, it has already been agreed to in principle, and George does not seem completely against the trade, just that he wanted to evaluate it further. That said, it may have to be altered some in the form of who's going where.

Shaq Is A Sun

Welcome to the Valley Shaq.

Now get healthy, get motivated, and start playing some defense.

Everything i wrote last night about this trade? Crumple it up, throw it out, and forget about it. Pending a physical this afternoon, Shaq is going to a Phoenix Sun. Better get ready for the show.

I still have major, major concerns about whether or not this trade will work out for the Suns, but at this point it doesn't look like it's going to matter. So instead of focusing on the negative (as i did here), let's look at ways in which Shaq might be able to help this team.

First, no one will dispute the fact that he's still one of the largest bodies in the NBA. That fact alone will create some semblance of resistance in the Suns low-post defense. While Shaq has never been a great defender in the true sense of the word, his sheer size alters shots and creates problems for opposing teams' offense scoring in the paint.

There is no denying that Shaq will be able to hold some of the great centers/power forwards in the Western Conference in check more than anyone else we've had on this team in a long while, maybe ever. Say what you will about his defense, but Shaq has historically played Tim Duncan and Yao Ming well, not to mention KG and Ben Wallace over in the Eastern Conference. Oh, and i'd be willing to bet that Andrew Bynum, if and when he does come back, has not seen anyone like Shaq before.

It has been true Shaq's scoring and rebounding is done this year and last, but who's to say that couldn't go up here? Shaq is shooting a ridiculous 58% on the year, good for 6th highest in the League. He is shooting that because he gets a ton of dunks, and if there's one thing that's been proven over the years, it's that Steve Nash has the ability to get people easy looks and dunks.

Another thing to consider is that Shaq traditionally has been a pretty good passer from the low-post, averaging almost three assists a game over his career. Imagine the dynamic on this team if their opponent is forced to double-team Shaq on the block? That opens the three-point line, from which the Suns are third in the League in shooting percentage and second in the League in three-pointers made each game. Not to mention the fact that the man coming to double-team Shaq would, you assume, be the man guarding Amare part of the time. That leaves Amare unguarded coming down either the baseline or the lane. Amare is pretty good in those situations.

It has already been reported that the Suns plan on using Shaq only about 25 minutes a game, which hopefully would cut down on his penchant for picking up fouls. It also would help keep him fresh and rested for the playoffs, when Phoenix will really need him. After all, why else did the Suns pick him up if not for the playoffs? They certainly don't need him in the regular season, as they have the best record in the Western Conference.

Naturally, this trade hinges on Shaq's ability to pass a physical this afternoon here in Phoenix. And while he is still injured, something tells me there aren't too many doctors out there who would fail him. Shaq is going to be a Sun, and all of better get used to it. And while i'm still not sure it's the best trade for the Suns, you better believe i'll be rooting for him when he puts on the Purple and Orange.

Shaq To The Suns?

According to a Miami Herald Report: The Miami Heat are in serious discussions to trade Shaquille O'Neal, and have informed him he should be prepared for that fact. According to the article, one of the destinations is rumored to be Phoenix, with Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks heading to the Heat for Shaq.

(Sigh) First reaction? NO! Not in a million years. Not ever.

After a half hour of thinking about? Still no, though not quite as emphatic. I suppose if i look at it objectively, i can see a few reasons as to why the Suns might be at least curious about the trade. Still, i don't think it's a good trade for the Suns for many reasons, not the least of which involve Shaq's age, health, contract, and ability to fit our system...

Shaq is 35, and has two more years remaining on a $20 million/year contract. While the money for the Suns would not be any different the rest of this year or next, the trade would put an extra $20 million on the books for the '09-'10 season (not that i think he would still be around then). His contract is ridiculous for a center of his age, when centers have a long history of breaking down right around 34-35. Shaq has proven to be no different, playing in only 40 games (of 82) last year, and missing 14 of the Heat's last 18 games.

In addition to his health issues, or perhaps because of his health issues, Shaq's production has seen a severe drop-off the last two season. Despite averaging 25.6 points and 11.5 rebounds a game for his career, last year it dropped to 17.3 and 7.4, and this year has been even worse, plummeting to 14.2 points and 7.8 rebounds. Ok, well maybe his rebounds are up slightly, but they're still way under his career average. Oh and by the way, his hip is injured and he hasn't even been cleared to RUN, let alone play basketball.

All that aside, let's just assume for a minute that Shaq was in good health and the Suns were willing to take on his contract despite his age. There is still a major problem to be addressed as to how he would fit into the Suns' system. The Sun's have absolutely killed the Heat the last few years, mainly due to the fact thay they run Shaq out of the building and he becomes virtually useless to the Heat. He can't run up and down the court like he used, and I'm not sure he could ever run the way the Sun's run. So how does that fit with Phoenix?

The prevailing opinion, or speculation actually, is that the Suns are looking at this trade for one of two reasons: One, as a reaction to the Laker's getting Pau Gasol (which, on a side note, was an absolute STEAL. What a ridiculous trade...). The second reason would be an acknowledgement that the Suns need an inside presence in order to beat the Spurs. While this may be true, even though i'm not convinced, i'm not sure this is answer.

If this trade went through, i believe it would be for the second reason. Since becoming GM, Steve Kerr has not shown a confidence in the coach D'Antoni's run and gun system, and in fact there have been rumblings of a rift between the two. Remember also that Kerr played in San Antonio with Duncan, in a slow it down, grind it out offense. He won titles with that offense, and has to have some feeling that's the way to win a Championship. I can agree with the need for an inside presence, but to me bringing in Shaq would be for the series against the Spurs only. He would be completely worthless against the Warriors, probably worthless against the Jazz and Hornets, and not much good against the Mavs. I just don't see the value in him for one possible series.

Shaq does not fit our system, not one bit. He can't run with us, and much prefers a slow, half-court game. The Suns didn't become the Suns by playing a half-court game. They got there by running and gunning, and everybody knows it. So the question becomes, do you believe the Suns can win with their system, or don't you?

Personally, i think they can. Admittedly i've only lived in the Valley for a couple of years, but have watched the Suns closely since then because their brand of basketball has been incredible. They revolutionized the game, and the League has become one of copycats, many attempting the run and gun style Mike D'Antoni installed here. As such, i think it has actually become harder to win with the style, since more teams use it and more teams get used to it and how to defend it.

That said, if executed well, which the Suns can do, i still think it can win a championship and, quite honestly, can win one easily. The Sun's have had a great chance the last couple of years, but injuries and bad breaks have prevented it. Given a chance to make one last run, i think the Suns can pull it off with a couple of breaks.

What does that all mean? It means i'm still at the point i was when i first heard the trade rumors of Shaq for Marion and Banks: Don't do it. The Sun's have a great nucleus, and have the talent to win a Championship. And while a trade may be in the works and may even make this team better, this is not that trade.

Shawn Marion: "I Want Out"

As first reported by AZ Central here, The Phoenix Suns' Shawn Marion has asked to be traded. Following a tradition started this spring by Kobe Bryant, then followed by Jermaine O'Neal and most recently Andrei Kirilenko, Marion joins a growing list of NBA superstars who are unhappy in their current situation and are looking for a trade.

Citing the constant trade rumors that have been circulating around him all year, Marion said it was time to move on. Marion's name has come up in all kinds of trade rumors, including a deal involving Kevin Garnett that was supposedly nixed by Marion because he didn't want to play in Boston. Most recently, last week when Kirilenko said he didn't want to play for the Jazz anymore, Marion was the first player of any team mentioned as a possible trade.

In his phone interview with the AZ Republic, Marion claimed he was most interested in being traded to the Lakers to join his good friend Kobe Bryant. According to Marion, Bryant would welcome the move, which might make him happy with the front office in LA and more comfortable playing there this year and into the future. However, you have to think the Suns would be hard-pressed to trade Marion to the Lakers, a team in their own division.

Another factor in this whole fiasco is Marion's current salary. He is currently the Suns' highest paid player with two years left on his deal, at around $16.4 million this year and $17.8 million next year. He has reportedly been seeking a three year, $60 million extension, which the Suns' seem unwilling to give him. The Sun's new owner, Robert Sarver, appears very unwilling to go over the Salary Cap, which is exactly what Marion's deal likely would do.

So what now? Marion's stated desire to be trade to the Lakers would involve the Suns getting back Lamar Odom, and possibly one other player. Personally, I'm not a huge fan of Odom. He has absolutely torched the Suns in some of their games, but is coming off shoulder surgery and remains inconsistent at best. Then again, Steve Nash has a habit of getting the most out of players since he has arrived in Phoenix, and Odom has the size, skill, and versatility to be a very good player, especially at the 4 where the Suns would need him.

The other option currently thrown out there is for AK47, Kirilenko. Kirilenko is an intriguing prospect. He plays best at the 4, can run and block shots, plays great defense, and is good at scoring close to the basket. He could be a nice compliment to Amare' down in the trenches. He was an All-Star a few years ago, but has been unhappy with the Jazz and head coach Jerry Sloan for the last two years. Kirilenko could be a great fit here in Phoenix, but again it would mean trading Marion within the Suns' own division. I'm also not sure Marion would accept being traded to the Jazz, though they are an up and coming team.

One trade possibility I haven't heard yet? How about Jermaine O'Neal? Am I missing something here? O'Neal wants out of Indiana, and a front line of him and Amare' would be formidable, at the least. I don't know, again, how much Marion would like to be traded to Indiana, but I think it's a trade possibility to at least explore if you are the Suns. You have a perennial All-Star looking to get out, you should try to get a perennial All-Star in return. The last thing I want to see happen is the Suns get $.25 Cents on the Dollar for Marion, much like they did in trading away Kurt Thomas (albeit that was a salary dump more than anything).

To Marion's credit, he went out of the way to say he loved the fans and his teammates here, and also said if he was not traded he would show up for the team's training camp. Marion has done nothing wrong here in Phoenix, other than being the highest paid player on a team filled with highly-paid players. There is no denying he has been in trade rumors all year long, and after a while that would take it's toll on anyone.

Last thing: Personally, I want Marion back for another year. He brings an intangible aspect to a great team, something that can't be duplicated or replicated. He scores his points without having plays drawn up for him, which is very hard to do. He runs the floor well and has the quickest hops of any player I've ever seen, leading to many rebounds and tip-ins. Marion is a great player, and an integral part of a championship-caliber Suns team. He would be a hard player to replace.