BREAKING NEWS: Suns Back in KG Sweepstakes

by kcbrett5 on Jun 27, 2007 9:20 AM MDT

Thanks, Rebound34, for this update. Also, check out the comments were TexSUN points to a link that says the opposite.

This is not all good, however. According to ESPN, Minnesota and Boston have rekindled talks regarding Kevin Garnett coming to Phoenix via a trade. But there's one added partner to this potential deal, and that's Atlanta.

While that sounds good on the surface, I don't like it.

The Hawks have demanded one of the players from our Big 3... and the Suns are actually entertaining the idea (according to ESPN sources, that is). Meanwhile, another of the Phoenix Big 3 could be dealt to Boston in this same proposed scenario. In addition, we may have to give up some combination of the Suns' two first rounders in Thursday's draft and Phoenix's ATL first rounder in '08 -- which may not be as high a pick next year if we give up one of our starters to the Hawks this season.

Anyway, click on the link below and read the specific report.

I don't like it. It's too much to deal away for just one player and it also stunts the growth of this team for years to come.

Let's start a prayer vigil between now and tomorrow to keep Sarver/Kerr/D'Antoni from blowing up the team.

Here's the link...

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2917781

Poll

What would you like to see the Suns do in the 2007 NBA Draft?

Don't trade for KG, but trade our two first-rounders to move up into the Top 10.

5 votes

Trade for KG, but only include draft picks and Marion and other role players.

7 votes

Keep all of our draft picks this year and next year, but trade Marion.

0 votes

Keep all of our draft picks this year and next year, and don't trade anyone.

0 votes

Trade away our two first-rounders this year and next year's ATL first rounder to move up into the Top 10.

0 votes

Trade Stoudemire and a combination of draft picks -- this year and next -- to get KG... keeping Marion.

4 votes

Trade for KG, and include Marion and role players, our two first-rounders and next year's ATL first-rounder.

4 votes

Do the proposed deal mentioned in the attached ESPN article -- which includes obtaining KG and trading away Stoudemire, Marion, role players, our two first rounders in '07 and our ATL first rounder in '08

0 votes

20 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

Maybe old news?

According to EVT, the Jim Gray scenario ain't happening. I can't see the Suns getting rid of two of the big three. One almost certainly is gone, but I can't see both leaving. It wouldn't make sense to get Garnett, then trade both Marion and Amare. Not unless Kerr and crew have totally lost their minds. :)

by TexSUN on Jun 27, 2007 8:51 AM MDT reply actions

That EVT article was reassuring, TexSun

Visualize sigh of relief from rebound34 right now.

Thanks for the link.

"I am not a role model. A million guys can dunk a basketball in jail, should they be role models?" - Charles Barkley

by kcbrett5 on Jun 27, 2007 10:37 AM MDT up reply actions

KG for Marion or Amare?

There is no way we will give up both Marion or Amare for KG. This is a bad trade and everyone knows it.

The question is: if you have to give up either Amare or Marion for KG, which one would you give up?

I can't answer this question...I think Amare has more upside, but I don't know if he can mesh well with KG when both are on the court. Not to mention Diaw, which will be gone for sure if Amare and KG are both in the team. Of course, one can argue that KG handles the defense and Amare handles the offense. Then we will be really good.

by sonicking on Jun 27, 2007 10:39 AM MDT reply actions

I want BOTH Amare & KG, but...

not at the expense of blowing up the team.

The reason I'd love both Stoudemire and Garnett together is that our Suns will create matchup problems against the tougher foes -- like San Antonio, Utah, & Dallas -- in the superior Western Conference.

Plus, having BOTH Bigs would provide some talented depth inside.

As far as those two meshing well... if somehow we had the tandem on next year's roster, I believe that Nash -- and winning -- will be the glue that keeps 'em bonded.

But realistically, I don't see us landing KG. And I'm okay with that... but even moreso okay with it if the Fakers don't land Garnett.

"I am not a role model. A million guys can dunk a basketball in jail, should they be role models?" - Charles Barkley

by kcbrett5 on Jun 27, 2007 11:05 AM MDT up reply actions

And yet another source states...

that a three-team deal between the Wolves/Celts/Suns could still go down -- but there's no mention of the Hawks and no mention of Stoudemire.

Check out the link below:

http://www.startribune.com/wolves/story/1270447.html

"I am not a role model. A million guys can dunk a basketball in jail, should they be role models?" - Charles Barkley

by kcbrett5 on Jun 27, 2007 11:48 AM MDT reply actions

Everything I've heard from local sources

says that Shawn Marion will not sign an extension in Boston and that is what it will take for the deal to go down. I can't blame the Celtics for not wanting to trade for a guy that may leave after a year. And I don't blame Shawn for not wanting to sign a long-term deal with the Celtics.

If the Suns just lose Shawn, Kurt Thomas and a draft pick or two for KG, I'm perfectly fine with that. But I really, really hope they don't trade Stoudemire for KG. I don't see the upside in that at all.

by Dan @ Bright Side Of The Sun on Jun 27, 2007 11:50 AM MDT reply actions

speculation

It is still only a speculation. The teams will continue to talk to each other till the last minute. I doubt that even a stupid front office like the Suns will give up 2 of our top 3 to get KG (and get stuck with his huge salary). However, the Suns management is stupid enough to give away all 3 first round picks (#24,29 and the 08 Atlanta pick) for nothing, just like they have done for the last 3-4 years.

All that Sarver cares about is money. He will trade away the whole team if he can make money with it. The fact that he is willing to give up/throw away KT and a 1st round future pick for tax relief is the proof (this was in another news). As much as I dislike Cuban's behavior, right now I wish that he would buy the Suns. we could win the championship with him spending whatever $ amount it takes to get the right players(and I think he has learned his lesson re: Nash).

Don't panick yet, guys. We are not going to lose 2 of our top 3 for KG. I would love to have KG on the team, for either Marion or STAT, but not both and certainly not for that many draft picks. We may even see all 3 of our top 3 back, and we are no worse off than the last 2 years.

It does not look like we will get a top 10 draft pick this year. All we can do is pray that Atlanta gets in the lottery next year and that the Suns FO is sane enough to hold on to that pick.

Will somebody please get rid of Marcus Banks from the Suns roster?

by Vash01 @ Bright Side Of The Sun on Jun 27, 2007 11:50 AM MDT reply actions

Your Quote

"Will somebody please get rid of Marcus Banks from the Suns roster?"

ROTFL!!! LMAO!!! LOL!!!

"I am not a role model. A million guys can dunk a basketball in jail, should they be role models?" - Charles Barkley

by kcbrett5 on Jun 27, 2007 11:55 AM MDT up reply actions

Ugh...

Vash, I usually love your comments but I need to call you out on these comments. Calling the Suns management stupid and saying all Sarver cares about is money is just, in your words, stupid.

Regarding Sarver, how many owners do you see at every game on the front row cheering for the team? Most owners sit in their boxes and probably don't even watch the game that much because all they care about is money. Sarver? He's down there cheering on the team, complaining when there is a bad call, etc. just like a fan. He is a MANAGING PARTNER of a business! He has to care something about money!! And spending money is NOT a guarantee of success. Look at the Yankees. Look at the Knicks. I rest my case.

And regarding trading two of the top three to get KG, I haven't seen any reports saying that this would happen. The two scenarios talked about above are an either/or situation. I didn't see anything saying that the Suns would trade both Amare AND Marion to get KG. But maybe I'm reading it wrong?

Either way, if Shawn doesn't sign an extension with Boston (and really, who can blame him?) the deal is dead in the water anyway.

by Dan @ Bright Side Of The Sun on Jun 27, 2007 11:58 AM MDT up reply actions

I agree w/ Dan

I don't think Sarver is in this just for the money. I listen to his do his regular radio interviews and watching his moves so far - and he hasn't been here and out from under JC for that long - I think its far too early to come to that conclusion.

My hope btw is that they are able to move Banks and Diaw and Marion and get KG and a top 10 pick.

When you add up Marion, Banks and either Diaw or KT you get about $29m in salary for next year. That would let you pay KG, a top 10 rookie and a free agent like Grant Hill.

That's the only way I see the $'s working. You can just trade Marion for KG and have the #'s make sense.

by Seth Pollack on Jun 27, 2007 12:12 PM MDT up reply actions

Man, I wish your scenario came true

If it did, we'd almost be set for next season.

"I am not a role model. A million guys can dunk a basketball in jail, should they be role models?" - Charles Barkley

by kcbrett5 on Jun 27, 2007 12:15 PM MDT up reply actions

Money

Dan,

I humbly disagree that Sarver is a good owner/managing partner. All I have seen him do for the last few years is give up 1st R draft picks for cash, when there were players with potential available. When was the last time the Suns drafted anyone in the 1st round? I think the last pick may have been LB. As you said, spending money is not a guarantee for success, but sometimes you have to spend money to get the right players, and more important to keep the right players.

In case you have not heard the KT news, our 'smart' FO is about to just give him away along with a future 1st R draft pick to provide tax relief. Why are they still holding on to players like Banks, JR and even Diaw who have been nonproductive while giving away (yes, giving away, not trading away) Kurt T. who has done a solid job defensively? Also we had to give up a lot to get KT and then the coach did not even bother to use him! The stupidity belongs to not just Sarver but Dantoni too, for not learning from his mistakes. Sarver is not stupid; he is just money minded (even his wife's name is 'Penny'- I found out last week!)

BTW, regarding Sarver - I have first hand info that he is not quite Colangelo when it comes to treating his employees. Colangelo was all class.

Please note that there is a paragraph in my post that says that our FO is not likely to give away 2 of the top 3 for even KG, and we may even see all of them back next season (which is not a bad thing; continuity is good for the team, provided STAT gets along with his teammates and Marion is not too unhappy about playing 3rd fiddle).

Are we all getting a little nervous about the draft? PhxSuns.net is a lot worse than this.

by Vash01 @ Bright Side Of The Sun on Jun 27, 2007 12:18 PM MDT reply actions

You're looking at this wrong

Vash, you said "why are they still holding on to players like Banks, JR and even Diaw...while giving away Kurt T?"

It's because there aren't other teams that will take Banks, JR and Diaw at this point. They looked like good signings at the time but now teams don't want to touch them. So what are they supposed to do?

You can't look at this in a vacuum and just "get rid of" Banks because you think it's a bad contract. You have to find a team willing to take him.

by Dan @ Bright Side Of The Sun on Jun 27, 2007 1:07 PM MDT up reply actions

Barbosa; trades; money

About Barbosa: the Suns didn't draft Barbosa in 2003. The Spurs did and the Suns acquired his rights for their eventual 1st round pick in 2005 (a pick SA later traded to NY and Isiah used to get David Lee).

The last player the Suns drafted in the first round was Zarko Cabarkapa also in 2003.

About trades: I find it best to ignore ESPN. It was just yesterday morning that Chad Ford was on Sports Center at 6am saying that a four team trade for Garnett was on the verge of completion even though it involved the Celtics giving up their No. 5 pick and Al Jefferson for Jermaine O'Neal.

Also: I wholeheartedly agree that selling Thomas to the Bobcats would be an atrocity.

About money: if the Suns are actively pursuing KG for Marion and another player (like Thomas) then it can't really be about the money, right? I mean, that swap doesn't lower their cap/tax numbers at all. So Sarver must be willing to go for the win if it's plainly beneficial.

by rosewood on Jun 27, 2007 1:43 PM MDT up reply actions

Technically true

The Spurs did draft LB but it was for the Suns with the deal in place. The Suns totally "picked" LB and then made the deal to make it happen.

That counts if you ask me.

by Seth Pollack on Jun 28, 2007 1:06 PM MDT up reply actions

Agreed...about LB

He was drafted FOR the Suns by SA (just like Suns drafting Rajon Rondo for the Celtics).

by Vash01 @ Bright Side Of The Sun on Jun 28, 2007 1:30 PM MDT up reply actions

The irony of

the Banker Mentality is that he never realizes the true value of currency isn't accumulating it, it's what can be done with it.

I'm not saying "he" is $arver...... yet. But he's got a lot to make up for. Top of the list is going against BC in not extending Joe Johnson (the exact contract Diaw now has, IIRC) in '04.

Though I'm not for any KG trade that isn't a bit our-sided, maybe all the rumors show $arver sees it's the winning business, not just a profit and entertainment business, he's in. "Cause any trade for KG is gonna increase the payroll even more.

If he keeps the team basically together, pays some L tax for whatever time Shawn has left here, and starts bringing in some rooks, I'll be happy enough.

Remember, even with the failings of $arve/'Antoni/Diaw (and Jones and Barbo, I guess), Nash/Stoudemire/Marion (and Bell and Thomas) got the team a 2-man suspension away this year.

by marionette on Jun 27, 2007 2:11 PM MDT up reply actions

A good point from Bill Simmons

One of the rumors is KG from Minnesota to Phoenix, a few draft picks from the Hawks to Minnesota and Amare to the Hawks.

Why in the world would the Suns trade Amare Stoudemire to the Hawks when they have their first round pick next year? Wouldn't that be shooting themselves in the foot?

I know we don't see everything that goes on behind the scenes with Amare but watching ESPN report that Amare may be traded away just makes me sick inside.

by Dan @ Bright Side Of The Sun on Jun 27, 2007 1:18 PM MDT reply actions

Welcome

to my world.

by marionette on Jun 27, 2007 1:27 PM MDT up reply actions

And that's why ESPN really stands for...

Exaggerated
Sensationalistic
Promotioal
Nonsense

Yet for some reason -- like an addictive drug or a highly-tempting lover -- I keep coming back to it.

Go figure.

"I am not a role model. A million guys can dunk a basketball in jail, should they be role models?" - Charles Barkley

by kcbrett5 on Jun 27, 2007 1:51 PM MDT up reply actions

STAT

Particularly trading him to Atlanta would make me double sick. Amare and KG will provide us nice twin towers- one on offense, the other on defense.

I really hope they don't send STAT to Atlanta. They already got one of our best players- Joe Johnson, and they did not have to shell out their high draft pick for him because they got lucky in the lottery.

Now this....!

by Vash01 @ Bright Side Of The Sun on Jun 27, 2007 2:06 PM MDT up reply actions

All the rumors are making my head hurt!!

Yahoo! is reporting that Amare would go to Atlanta in the deal and that it is believed that Joe Johnson has spoken to Amare who would "welcome the trade". Aaarrrggghhhh!

I think I could live with giving up Marion for KG, but definitely don't want Amare going to Atlanta! How's a person supposed to work with all this going on???

by TwinnerA on Jun 27, 2007 2:59 PM MDT reply actions

on amare

i think amare has the chance of becoming the best player in the league, no question. But he currently is one of the dumbest, and I personally don't want to base my future suns on a "let's wait for him to grow up idea". That's like marrying someone, then trying to make drastic changes! People, if you could step outside the Suns fan box, and really look at Amare, at the things he says and does, yet his trade value is incredible, you'd start to see why the kg trade involving stat might happen. There'd be no waiting for K.G. to mature. Plus, if you haven't noticed, we probably wouldn't get another point guard like nash for 10-20 years, if even then. We have the chance, and we'd still have the defensive experts in Marion and bell. The speedy barbosa, people ... let go of what Amare could be to get what Garnett is. If we manage to keep Amare and K.G., I do admit that the entertainment level of watching that suns team with Nash, barbosa, and bell, (plus maybe hill) would be off the charts!

by jasonsuns1 on Jun 27, 2007 3:16 PM MDT reply actions

I would rather....

...keep the top 3 from last year. Agreed they had their short comings but it was a good team that needed reinforcement. We could provide that through the drafts and FA signings.

Somehow Amare to Atlanta is making me feel very uncomfortable, even though I have been pointing out his flaws. He is an amazing talent, waiting to mature. I think everyone in the league will laugh at us for letting him go.

What if the KG deal does not bring us the much sought after championship? We are going to look very bad.

Actually anything but the title next season is going to look us very bad- for either making the trade or not making it. :)

by Vash01 @ Bright Side Of The Sun on Jun 27, 2007 3:28 PM MDT reply actions

Two thoughts

1) I'll believe KG-Amare-Marion rumors when I see the announced on EVT and/or AZCentral. I'm not even reading ESPN, et. all, because whatever they say is going to be purely rumor and speculation until something has been definitely carved in stone, and in which case it will likely be announced on EVT/AZCentral before it makes it to ESPN.

2) The Suns aren't crazy enough to send Amare to Atlanta, or anywhere else for that matter. My guess the KG rumor, if there's anything to it at all, was to make LA nervous enough to completely gut their team to get KG, or to forget about him. I think Coro has it right when he says the only move the Suns will make will be to shed a contract (probably KT, although getting rid of Banks instead would be a dream).

by TexSUN on Jun 27, 2007 3:32 PM MDT reply actions

No KG to Phx

The latest article and the espn discussions indicate that KG will not be traded to Phx. For it to happen many things will have to happen, and it just sounds very unlikely. Boston wants to keep its #5.

The Suns are still trying to move up in the draft order but that too is very unlikely because nobody wants to give up a high pick. Even if the Suns are willing to part with the 08 Atlanta pick they may not find any takers.

My fear is that given this scenario we may once again see the 'cash for draft picks' like we did last year and I am absolutely fed up with that approach. I would rather see the Suns draft the worst possible player than not draft anyone at all (or draft for other teams).

by Vash01 @ Bright Side Of The Sun on Jun 27, 2007 10:25 PM MDT reply actions

Draft picks

Ok, now that the KG drama is over, how about something else to ponder:

Let's say it comes down to two choices (assuming the Suns remain with 24 and 29 picks only):

1) Keep the draft picks, and to cut salary to Sarver-approved levels, trade KT.

2) Sell the draft picks, and use the money saved to keep KT.

If those were the only two options, which would you choose?

by TexSUN on Jun 27, 2007 10:58 PM MDT reply actions

i love kurt thomas,

and what he did for us last year, but he's getting too old and I think the suns need 1-2 players that are young and big.

Nash- 33 yrs old
Marion- 29 yrs old
Amare- 24 yrs old
Barbosa- 24 yrs old
Bell- 30 yrs old

k.g. - 31 yrs old

k.thomas - 34 yrs old

***

boris diaw 9 million
k.thomas 8 million
barbosa 5 million

whats wrong with this

by jasonsuns1 on Jun 28, 2007 12:07 AM MDT up reply actions

Draft

I love KT, but the Suns need some young players that are being developed. I would absolutely not give up those two draft picks. I would draft the best player available at that point.

I would try to package other players and see if I can get rid of them (Banks and JR) even for a second round pick.

If that does not work, I would use KT as the last resort to make the money work. With the young players coming in (and hopefully some smart free agent signings) we could survive the loss of KT.

by Vash01 @ Bright Side Of The Sun on Jun 28, 2007 12:33 AM MDT up reply actions

What Vash01 said

My thoughts almost exactly...

"I am not a role model. A million guys can dunk a basketball in jail, should they be role models?" - Charles Barkley

by kcbrett5 on Jun 28, 2007 7:06 AM MDT up reply actions

The latest

Charlotte has jumped into the 3way KG deal, but they too want STAT, not Marion. The Suns won't trade Amare. A deal is not likely.

I have no problem with our top 3 returning for the next season. The problem is with the lack of young players being groomed to take over when there is a need.

I am more disturbed by the fact that the Suns cannot pull off a decent deal to get in the top 10. They are having to give up KT and a 1st R pick just to stay under salary cap.

I dislike Sarver immensely. The guy cannot see beyond dollars. I wish Mark Cuban would buy the Suns! May be they will have a chance to win the title.

Kerr has just met with his first failure as GM and it won't be the last one. He will probably try to compensate for it by firing Dantoni, who certainly has his share of the fiasco. This team has been going downhill for the last 3 years. The reason we did not notice it was Steve Nash kept bringing it back.

Ever since the Suns drafted Amare, they have acted as if they don't need to draft another player for the next 10 years. If they keep Banks, JR and Diaw as their backups and not draft someone respectable in the first round, I might as well sell my season tickets.

I love the Suns players. I hate the Suns management (or is it mismanagement?)

by Vash01 @ Bright Side Of The Sun on Jun 28, 2007 4:14 PM MDT reply actions

Sarcasm?

Do I detect a mite of sarcasm in your post? I certainly hope so. :) My gracious, you'd think the Suns missed the playoffs altogether instead of presenting the only challenge the Spurs faced the entire way.

I think it's much too soon to write off Kerr as a GM failure just because he can't force other teams to give up high picks in a great draft, or get a KG deal done without trading Amare. There are 29 other teams who haven't managed to trade for KG yet either, including the Lakers. And be careful what you wish for re: Cuban. He is the guy who let Nash get away to Phoenix for money reasons, you know...

by TexSUN on Jun 28, 2007 5:23 PM MDT up reply actions

Cuban

If the Mavs win the title (and they will be one of the favorites again next year), Cuban's lone transgression will be forgiven (not signing Nash). He did err (sort of) in not signing Finley but that's not a big mistake. Besides, Finley got his ring.

Y'all have to understand that I am very frustrated right now with the history of bad decisions in the last 3-4 years by the Suns FO. It's not just not signing draft picks or the signing of Marcus Banks, or not getting a deal done for the draft. It just seems like a series of mistakes that have led to this scenario- this team cannot win a title with what they have and there will be no improvement next year either.

by Vash01 @ Bright Side Of The Sun on Jun 28, 2007 5:55 PM MDT reply actions