Well, folks, it looks like a done deal. Welcome the Polish Hammer, Marcin Gortat, along with Vince "My Knee Hurts" Carter. So long, Jason Richardson -- you've been fantastic. Hedo, we hardly got to know you and don't fully blame you for not fitting on this team.
Earl Clark will hopefully get to try and do something in Orlando (doubt it) and there's nothing bad at all to say about Mickael Pietrus except he plays the same position as Vince Carter, Josh Childress, Grant Hill and Jared Dudley. So you know ... still have five guys for two positions. Problem deferred.
My personal reaction is not positive. My first concern is what this means for Steve Nash, you can read more about that here:
Phoenix Suns Rumored Deal For Vince Carter And Marcin Gortat Smells Like Trouble For Nash - SB Nation Arizona
The real question now, assuming this deal happens as reported, is what if anything this means for Nash and possibility of moving him. With the team hovering around .500 and seeing yet another teammate get moved, you can easily envision a frustrated Steve asking to be dealt. Certainly a late first round pick and some cash isn't going to placate Nash.
Essentially, the Suns are sacrificing this season to get Marcin Gortat and perhaps one more year of Mickael Pietrus along with a Orlando's first round pick which will be in the mid-to-late 20's.
How's that sit with you, Suns fans?
Financially, this deal is about a wash.
The Suns are taking back about $60.1m in total contracts and giving up about $54.1 but with the $3m cash and last 1st round pick that makes it even. Here's the details:
- Gortat: $6.3m this year with increases up to $7.7m in 2013/14 with that final year being a play option. Total guaranteed including final year is $28.1m
- Pietrus: $5.3m this year with player option for same next season. Total guaranteed is $10.6m
- Carter: $17.5m this year with next year at $18.3m but only $4m of that is guaranteed so total obligation is $21.5m
- JRich: $14.4m this year
- Hedo: $10.2m this year with increases up to $12m in 2013/14 but only $6m of that final year is guaranteed so total obligation is $39m.
- Clark: $1.8m this year