Sources: Suns put Stoudemire on trade block

[DUNCANownsKOBE2]

minutes ago
Buzz up! 3 votes
Print
More From Adrian Wojnarowski
LeBron finds Garden work fulfilling Feb 5, 2009
Bryant's 61 will grow in Garden's history Feb 3, 2009


Perhaps signaling a willingness to dismantle their roster, the Phoenix Suns have begun exchanging trade proposals with teams for All-Star forward Amare Stoudemire, league executives told Yahoo! Sports on Thursday.

With dysfunction and dissension reigning within the Suns, rival front-office executives believe general manager Steve Kerr is determined to move Stoudemire and others before the Feb. 19 trade deadline.

While Stoudemire, 26, is the Suns’ most valuable asset, sources say Kerr has told teams that he’s willing to trade anyone on his roster except for point guard Steve Nash.


“Everyone is on the table but Nash,” one executive said.

Phoenix owner Robert Sarver has been more reluctant to part with Stoudemire and still hasn’t yet given his blessing to act on a Stoudemire proposal. Nevertheless, most believe that Sarver will inevitably do so.

While there will likely be some interest in a rejuvenated Shaquille O’Neal, it is Stoudemire, the enigmatic 6-foot-10, 250-pound forward, whom most NBA teams have an interest in acquiring.

If Kerr and assistant GM David Griffin do trade Stoudemire, a four-time All-Star, they want a combination of expiring contracts, a talented young player – preferably a forward – and draft picks. Stoudemire is expected to opt out of his contract for the historic free-agent summer of 2010. He makes $15 million this season and $16.3 million next season. His relationship with Suns management has steadily deteriorated and few expect that either side is interested in a contract extension.

Phoenix made the biggest move of the trade deadline a year ago, trading Shawn Marion for Shaquille O’Neal in a deal that the Suns believed could help them overtake the San Antonio Spurs and Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference. Yet, the Suns lost to the Spurs in the first round of the playoffs, which turned into a prelude to an acrimonious exit with coach Mike D’Antoni.

This season, Phoenix has struggled to a 26-21 record, which leaves them tied for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. The Suns were blown out Wednesday night in Golden State, 124-112.

With O’Neal clogging the middle, Stoudemire has expressed frustration with a diminished offensive role. Stoudemire still flusters his GM and coach because of an unwillingness to commit to anything but scoring. Stoudemire’s scoring and rebounding averages have dropped this season, and he recently told Yahoo! Sports that he was struggling with an offense that features fewer pick-and-rolls for him, fewer touches in the low post.

“It is harder,” Stoudemire said. “When you’re in the flow, everything flows. When you’re not, sometimes it’s hard to get involved.”

After the loss to Golden State, Stoudemire told reporters, “To keep losing these games the way we are, it’s not fun. I’m not used to it. It’s almost against my religion.”

Sources believe the Suns are more apt to shop Stoudemire to the Eastern Conference, where Toronto and New York are natural possibilities. Raptors GM Bryan Colangelo drafted Stoudemire for the Suns, and Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni helped turn him into an All-Star. Still, the acrimonious nature of Colangelo’s and D’Antoni’s departures could lessen Phoenix management’s willingness to deal with them.

Nevertheless, Phoenix promises once more be at the center of the league’s biggest trade talks leading up to the deadline.

[z0sa]

I dunno why they weren't considering this move sooner. Amare is the biggest problem with that locker room chemistry. He wants to be THE MAN, yet is incapable of sustaining any sort of defensive intensity which the Suns are desperately searching for. Had Amare played half as hard as he could on D all these years, the Suns would have never traded for Shaq and may have won a title.

[JamStone]

Amir Johnson and Allen Iverson for Amare and Leandro Barbosa.

[DUNCANownsKOBE2]

I dunno why they weren't considering this move sooner. Amare is the biggest problem with that locker room chemistry. He wants to be THE MAN, yet is incapable of sustaining any sort of defensive intensity which the Suns are desperately searching for. Had Amare played half as hard as he could on D all these years, the Suns would have never traded for Shaq and may have won a title.

:toast

your not only preaching to the converted here, you're preaching to the priest.

[BacktoBasics]

I'd think the Suns might be interested in AI's or Wallace's expiring contract.

[DUNCANownsKOBE2]

Amir Johnson and Allen Iverson for Amare and Leandro Barbosa.

I want Sheed money so the Amare retard homers will see how good this team can be with a PF and C who play defense......but anything to get A'm'a'r'e out of town works for me.

[DUNCANownsKOBE2]

That fucktard should remove his "black jesus" tattoo and replace it with one that says "black judas".

[timvp]

D'Antoni is looking like a better and better coach in retrospect.

[DPG21920]

I already posted the best trade for both teams, this helps both teams for this year:

http://games.espn.go.com/nba/features/traderesult?players=3006~3437~831~2419~2166~1727&teams=21~21~21~21~5~5&te=&cash=

[timvp]

I already posted the best trade for both teams, this helps both teams for this year:

http://games.espn.go.com/nba/features/traderesult?players=3006~3437~831~2419~2166~1727&teams=21~21~21~21~5~5&te=&cash=Cleveland finally has good chemistry and good role players that fit next to LeBron. I doubt they blow it up, even if they do end up with more talent in that scenario.

[DPG21920]

Cleveland finally has good chemistry and good role players that fit next to LeBron. I doubt they blow it up, even if they do end up with more talent in that scenario.

First of all, I think the Suns would take that in a second, don't you? Secondly, do you think that if the Suns would take that, that the Cavs really would not do that?


I wonder what xylus and DOK think about this trade...

[DDS4]

D'Antoni is looking like a better and better coach in retrospect.


And Kerr is looking like a worse and worse GM.

[DUNCANownsKOBE2]

D'Antoni is looking like a better and better coach in retrospect.


Complete hypothetical but if he were to come back, Amare would still act like a 5 year old and not improve at all, and then people would be calling for his head because he would be Amare's newest scapegoat after Amare threw him under the bus again. He is a way better coach than Porter but it's not like this team would be on pace to shatter the Bull's 70 win mark with him as coach.

[endrity]

I can see why Nash is not on the block, he represents the Suns rise to elite level in the later part of this decade, but at this point he is hardly the player he was. I am sure he would love to go play for a couple more years in NY with D'Antoni, and the Knicks would do that trade in a second. The Suns could get some nice players in return anyway. I say Nash should be on the block as well.

[Allanon]

I already posted the best trade for both teams, this helps both teams for this year:

http://games.espn.go.com/nba/features/traderesult?players=3006~3437~831~2419~2166~1727&teams=21~21~21~21~5~5&te=&cash=

The trade does make some sense. I know the Cavs and Verajao aren't exactly happy over their last contract negotiations. Suns getting back Verajao + Cap space ain't too bad for them.

But the Cavs are on a roll and Verajao is a key component, I don't see them getting rid of him this year.

[resistanze]

lmao Steve Kerr

[DUNCANownsKOBE2]

I would do that Cleveland trade w/o Gibson I'm not a fan of players like him having long term contracts.

And I think it would be hilarious for Amare to be the driving force that gets LeBron to leave Cleveland just so the whole country sees how much of a fuckwad Amaretard is.

[DPG21920]

The suns get their upside forward with Hickson. They get a guy to fill in for Barbosa that is a better pure shooter to go with Nash. They get Anderson and Wally to help out this year with hustle, defense, rebounding and shooting then get 18+ million off the books for next year.

Cleavland does not play Wally and JJ that much, so that does not hurt their chemistry. I think having Barbosa helps them more than Gibson because he is better at point and slashing. Then they get Amare who could use a change of scenery and can still be a force. He is young as well so there is future and he is tradeable if it does not work out bc teams will always gamble on him.

[DUNCANownsKOBE2]

I don't want Verejao on the Suns. The thought of of two big uncoordinated doofuses with fag hair (Lopez and him) on the court at the same time as the players who are supposed to protect the paint is unfathomable.

[DUNCANownsKOBE2]

Hey DPG, remember how I told you about that Amare trade proposed to me in fantasy?


Well someone actually traded Billups and Durant for Amare......I guess it takes a retard to want a retard.

[intlspurshk]

Amare and barbosa for Dirk. That almost mean WCF champion

[DUNCANownsKOBE2]

Amare and barbosa for Dirk. That almost mean WCF champion

LOL, Amare and J-Ho on the same team.


That would suck for Dallas fans.

[timvp]

First of all, I think the Suns would take that in a second, don't you? Secondly, do you think that if the Suns would take that, that the Cavs really would not do that?I don't think either side would be too thrilled with that trade. Taking on Gibson's long, bloated contract negates most of the positives from the Suns' side. And the Cavs are built on selfless role playing defenders next to LeBron. Getting two horrible defenders and one guy who is anything but selfless goes against what they are trying to do.

[BlackSwordsMan]

vaughn, the rights to some unknown argentians and hariston for amare?

[DUNCANownsKOBE2]

vaughn, the rights to some unknown argentians and hariston for amare?

why the hell would they trade Hairston for Amare?

[dougp]

They really should have taken Garnett when they had the chance ... I kept telling my friends that the Suns were getting better if they had taken the offer.

[Thunder Dan]

The suns get their upside forward with Hickson. They get a guy to fill in for Barbosa that is a better pure shooter to go with Nash. They get Anderson and Wally to help out this year with hustle, defense, rebounding and shooting then get 18+ million off the books for next year.

Cleavland does not play Wally and JJ that much, so that does not hurt their chemistry. I think having Barbosa helps them more than Gibson because he is better at point and slashing. Then they get Amare who could use a change of scenery and can still be a force. He is young as well so there is future and he is tradeable if it does not work out bc teams will always gamble on him.

Chemistry as in getting along in the locker room and in practices.

Amare has shown to be a cancer, and I don't think the Cavs want that. Right now they are like the Brady Bunch and all go out to movies together and have circle jerks and stuff

[Spurminator]

Unless I am already running a high-level Playoff team, I can't imagine ever being willing to trade talented youth, picks and cap space for Amare Stoudemire. He's that unfortunate breed of player who can never be the centerpiece of a Championship team but cannot be happy unless he is treated as such.

If Steve Francis were a forward, he'd have been Amare Stoudemire. And I expect that if Amare is traded, his career will follow a similar path to an early and disgruntled retirement. He's simply not that good. Despite his offensive brilliance he is a terrible defensive player in a position where you cannot afford to be weak on defense.

And beyond that, he's a moron.

[DUNCANownsKOBE2]

Unless I am already running a high-level Playoff team, I can't imagine ever being willing to trade talented youth, picks and cap space for Amare Stoudemire. He's that unfortunate breed of player who can never be the centerpiece of a Championship team but cannot be happy unless he is treated as such.

If Steve Francis were a forward, he'd have been Amare Stoudemire. And I expect that if Amare is traded, his career will follow a similar path to an early and disgruntled retirement. He's simply not that good. Despite his offensive brilliance he is a terrible defensive player in a position where you cannot afford to be weak on defense.

And beyond that, he's a moron.


He's only got offensive brilliance when he's playing center or when Nash is PG. If he has to create his own shot without a significant athleticism advantage he's useless.

Of course, by playing him at center, you're guaranteeing your team is the worst defensive team in basketball.

[Showtime24 LAKERS]

imagine if the Magic trade Hedo Turkolu for Amare...
Dwight + Amare :wow

[Thunder Dan]

imagine if the Magic trade Hedo Turkolu for Amare...
Dwight + Amare :wow

and Tyraun Lue!

[DUNCANownsKOBE2]

imagine if the Magic trade Hedo Turkolu for Amare...
Dwight + Amare :wow

Amare would be horrible if he had to share the paint with Dwight and in addition didn't have a pure passing PG.

[pauls931]

They need more than Hedo for Amare. I seriously don't things will get much better/different unless they change coaches or get rid of Nash and Amare.

[vicphoenix13]

I can see why Nash is not on the block, he represents the Suns rise to elite level in the later part of this decade, but at this point he is hardly the player he was. I am sure he would love to go play for a couple more years in NY with D'Antoni, and the Knicks would do that trade in a second. The Suns could get some nice players in return anyway. I say Nash should be on the block as well.


The reason Nash isn't on the trade block is because the Suns don't have a good young point guard to replace him.

[xtremesteven33]

Bosh for Stoudemire

[Indazone]

What could Kerr possibly get in return for Amare? J-Ho? I think Kerr is about to blow the team up and start over.

If that is the case, they should have left the Sun's alone and just tweaked their roster and let D'Antoni be the coach. Kerr is looking like an idiot now. If I were the owner, Kerr's butt would be fired.

[Duncan2177]

Suns trade Amare to the bulls for Dang and Gordon or Dang and Kirk?

[jack sommerset]

lmao Steve Kerr

:lol thats all you can do.

[DUNCANownsKOBE2]

Suns trade Amare to the bulls for Dang and Gordon or Dang and Kirk?

Who is Dang? I know who Deng is.....but who's this Dang fellow?

[DUNCANownsKOBE2]

Bosh for Stoudemire

I wish.

[jonnybravo]

He's only got offensive brilliance when he's playing center or when Nash is PG. If he has to create his own shot without a significant athleticism advantage he's useless.

Of course, by playing him at center, you're guaranteeing your team is the worst defensive team in basketball.

Thank you. The guy runs the floor well, has a money jumper and can drive. He's a fantastic offensive player but people were severely overrating his offense when you put it in context of how much of his points (a huge, huge majority) were created for him.

I still can't believe people seriously didn't consider the KG for Amare deal. It would've have been light's out for 2-3 years for the league.

[Xylus]

Bosh for Stoudemire? No thanks.

The Suns need role players, not another scorer. What would Bosh give us that Amare doesn't?

[DUNCANownsKOBE2]

Bosh for Stoudemire? No thanks.

The Suns need role players, not another scorer. What would Bosh give us that Amare doesn't?

A better attitude and better leadership. Bosh seems like he cares about winning more than being THE MAN!!!, so that alone makes it worth while.

As long as Sarver is owner, the Suns will never have good role players. Sad, but true.

[DPG21920]

Hey DPG, remember how I told you about that Amare trade proposed to me in fantasy?


Well someone actually traded Billups and Durant for Amare......I guess it takes a retard to want a retard.

Wow that is absolutely terrible. I would not trade Durant for Amare straight up, let alone add Billups? I might, and I mean might trade Billups for Amare straight up. That is almost vetoable.

[timvp]

If I'm a Suns fan, I'd jump at Bosh for Stoudemire. Bosh is similar in skill level but would fit far better next to Shaq and is a better defender.

But I doubt Toronto considers it.

[RedsLakers24]

Odom For Amare

[Duncan2177]

Who is Dang? I know who Deng is.....but who's this Dang fellow?

I call him Dang but yea Deng :lol

[DUNCANownsKOBE2]

Wow that is absolutely terrible. I would not trade Durant for Amare straight up, let alone add Billups? I might, and I mean might trade Billups for Amare straight up. That is almost vetoable.

I'm the commish and my deal is unless I think there's collusion I don't veto so I didn't. The kid trading for Amare has a history of making dumb trades so I had no choice. I'm still mad the 4th place team was able to trade Amaretard for 2 top ten players.

[DUNCANownsKOBE2]

Odom For Amare

Done. Take his whiny ass.

[Dirkgreatness]

DB.com Buzz: Amare For Aldridge?
We Got A Feel For A Deal That Would Change The West Race
By David Lord -- DB.com

This comes from having an ear to the ground. Some reading of tea leaves. Some 2+2 = stuff.
I think there's a biggie brewing in NBA trade circles. A Western Conference-race-changing biggie.
I've watched with curiosity and interest as the Phoenix Suns have unraveled. It's clearly a team of contrasting styles and ill-fitting parts. I and others have said I think they should return to their up-tempo roots, and that Shaq fits better in Dallas, but multiple reports say owner Robert Sarver is dead-set on avoiding a return to SmallBall. If they keep Shaq, what's their alternative? Their only realistic alternative, it seems, might be to trade Amare Stoudemire for a PF who might fit better alongside Shaq – but I haven't really believed they'd trade Amare given his age (26) and explosiveness.

But the situation is rapidly deteriorating farther and faster in the desert than anyone could have imagined, and it may now be past the point of no return.
While I don't claim to have moles inside the Suns HQ, little snippets here and there from people I listen to (should we call them "our sources" in order to make this a true Vesceyesque rumor-generator?) have me thinking that a big trade is brewing. ... or certainly, serious talks that could lead to this big trade.

A blockbuster.
One that involves two playoff teams and rivals in the Western Conference.
One that could create a deadline domino effect in the West, just like last year.
Don't be surprised if Amare gets traded by the deadline to Portland for LaMarcus Aldridge (with Raef Lafrentz included as trade filler for rules purposes).

The front offices in Portland and Phoenix have been regular trade partners in recent years, and much of the young talent now residing in Portland has come via picks they have scored in those deals with the Suns. These franchises have an open dialogue that they are comfortable with, and I think they are talking again. Seriously talking

Both sides may still be angling for a little more of this or that to be included while they're dealing. For example, Phoenix would also love to score a backup and heir to Nash and Portland has amassed a rich cache of youngsters at PG. .

Why for Portland? Amare would provide a more experienced and explosive interior scorer in the middle of the Portland youth corps. While Dallas-are-native Aldridge is young and talented, the track record of Amare is much more enticing - and he's still only 26.

Why for Phoenix? Aldridge is a bit more perimeter-oriented by nature (which better complements Shaq). He's also much more of a contributor on defense which the Suns badly need. And there's no question that Amare, for all his gifts, is unhappy, doesn't fit alongside Shaq, and presents a big problem to the Suns.

Both are young with a long future ahead of them in the NBA. It's a huge gamble for both teams however, in trading away a star performer from the center of a playoff contender and shaking up the mix, but I think the rewards on both sides are too great to pass up, and after much hand-wringing -- this deal really could happen.
After writing the above, but before we could get to print, other reports have emerged. Yahoo Sports says today that sources say Kerr has told teams that he’s willing to trade anyone on his roster except for Steve Nash, and goes on to speculate that Stoudemire is going somewhere and that the Suns are fielding offers for him. That jives with my perception, and furthermore, I say we should look for more articles from others in the coming days as the Suns now go under the microscope, with mentions of young PFs like Bosh and Beasley and potential trade partners like New York (where Amare's former coach D'Antoni now runs the wide-open offensive system STAT loves). Anything can happen - but we have reason to think that when the dust settles the Suns' partner will be Portland, and the acquisition will be Aldridge.

And what might this have to do with Dallas?

If it happens, this appreciably alters the playoff chase in the West as well as the fortunes of the two teams themselves. Adding Stoudemire's explosive interior play to Portland takes them from a nice up-and-coming talent-laden team of the future to a scary threat right now, and adding an enthusiastic talented PF who is willing to work on defense alongside Shaq brings Phoenix right back into the mix of contenders. If it happens (and I really think it will), expect this deal to motivate other teams – San Antonio? Houston? And yes, Dallas? -- to scurry to the trade table to discuss upgrades of their own in a quest to keep up with the moving and shaking.

Link (http://www.dallasbasketball.com/fullColumn.php?id=1307)

[DPG21920]

I'm the commish and my deal is unless I think there's collusion I don't veto so I didn't. The kid trading for Amare has a history of making dumb trades so I had no choice. I'm still mad the 4th place team was able to trade Amaretard for 2 top ten players.

I agree, I am the commish and I am the same way, I was speaking more hypothetically based on how dumb it is.

[DUNCANownsKOBE2]

Aldridge for Amare would be more than I could have imagined. If Kerr squeezed Bayless out of that, it would really be something.

[DPG21920]

I hope Portland does that.

[DUNCANownsKOBE2]

Portland would be dumb to do that.....Oden would eventually get tired of being barked at by Amare.

[Findog]

Portland would be absolutely insane to do that deal. I would much rather have Aldridge than Amare. Aldridge is just as good as Amare in my opinion, is younger and has more upside, and is a better character guy as well. They dismantled the JailBlazers because of chemistry and character issues. I love their foundation of Oden, Aldridge and Roy. If I were Pritchard, it would take A LOT for me to alter or break that up, and I certainly wouldn't do it for Amare.

[Findog]

I love this deal for the Mavericks. The Blazers would wreck their core - Amare is a loser, plain and simple. Insanely talented, but a loser. He has all the tools to be a good defender but has never committed himself on that end. He's the type of guy who has no shame in padding his stats in garbage time. And Aldridge would not mean the difference between the Suns either barely missing the playoffs/going out in the first round and winning a title.

[DPG21920]

How does this help the Mavs?

[Findog]

How does this help the Mavs?

I like seeing Western competitors get worse. It helps the Spurs in that regard too.

[sook]

yao for Amare git r done morey

[vicphoenix13]

They really should have taken Garnett when they had the chance ... I kept telling my friends that the Suns were getting better if they had taken the offer.

Actually, Kevin McHale made the decision not to trade KG to the Suns. He didn't want KG to be in the Western Conference and wanted Al Jefferson more than Amare.

[angelbelow]

what are the suns looking for though.. talent that fits them to make a championship run or expiring contracts? would make more since to me if they are looking to add talent for a run because an expiring wouldnt make sense since they have nash and shaq approaching the end.

[turiaf for president]

lamar and luke =D

[m33p0]

if all goes well, your wish will come true. :toast

[DUNCANownsKOBE2]

The rumor now is Amare 4 Rudy Gay, Warrick, and Darko. I would do that right now. Gay is about as good as it gets as far as young pieces they can get for Amare.

[ducks]

if boozer says he opts out which says he will
I would trade boozer for amare

[peskypesky]

The rumor now is Amare 4 Rudy Gay, Warrick, and Darko. I would do that right now. Gay is about as good as it gets as far as young pieces they can get for Amare.

I would do that trade in a heartbeat

[Armando]

DB.com Buzz: Amare For Aldridge?
We Got A Feel For A Deal That Would Change The West Race
By David Lord -- DB.com

This comes from having an ear to the ground. Some reading of tea leaves. Some 2+2 = stuff.
I think there's a biggie brewing in NBA trade circles. A Western Conference-race-changing biggie.
I've watched with curiosity and interest as the Phoenix Suns have unraveled. It's clearly a team of contrasting styles and ill-fitting parts. I and others have said I think they should return to their up-tempo roots, and that Shaq fits better in Dallas, but multiple reports say owner Robert Sarver is dead-set on avoiding a return to SmallBall. If they keep Shaq, what's their alternative? Their only realistic alternative, it seems, might be to trade Amare Stoudemire for a PF who might fit better alongside Shaq – but I haven't really believed they'd trade Amare given his age (26) and explosiveness.

But the situation is rapidly deteriorating farther and faster in the desert than anyone could have imagined, and it may now be past the point of no return.
While I don't claim to have moles inside the Suns HQ, little snippets here and there from people I listen to (should we call them "our sources" in order to make this a true Vesceyesque rumor-generator?) have me thinking that a big trade is brewing. ... or certainly, serious talks that could lead to this big trade.

A blockbuster.
One that involves two playoff teams and rivals in the Western Conference.
One that could create a deadline domino effect in the West, just like last year.
Don't be surprised if Amare gets traded by the deadline to Portland for LaMarcus Aldridge (with Raef Lafrentz included as trade filler for rules purposes).

The front offices in Portland and Phoenix have been regular trade partners in recent years, and much of the young talent now residing in Portland has come via picks they have scored in those deals with the Suns. These franchises have an open dialogue that they are comfortable with, and I think they are talking again. Seriously talking

Both sides may still be angling for a little more of this or that to be included while they're dealing. For example, Phoenix would also love to score a backup and heir to Nash and Portland has amassed a rich cache of youngsters at PG. .

Why for Portland? Amare would provide a more experienced and explosive interior scorer in the middle of the Portland youth corps. While Dallas-are-native Aldridge is young and talented, the track record of Amare is much more enticing - and he's still only 26.

Why for Phoenix? Aldridge is a bit more perimeter-oriented by nature (which better complements Shaq). He's also much more of a contributor on defense which the Suns badly need. And there's no question that Amare, for all his gifts, is unhappy, doesn't fit alongside Shaq, and presents a big problem to the Suns.

Both are young with a long future ahead of them in the NBA. It's a huge gamble for both teams however, in trading away a star performer from the center of a playoff contender and shaking up the mix, but I think the rewards on both sides are too great to pass up, and after much hand-wringing -- this deal really could happen.
After writing the above, but before we could get to print, other reports have emerged. Yahoo Sports says today that sources say Kerr has told teams that he’s willing to trade anyone on his roster except for Steve Nash, and goes on to speculate that Stoudemire is going somewhere and that the Suns are fielding offers for him. That jives with my perception, and furthermore, I say we should look for more articles from others in the coming days as the Suns now go under the microscope, with mentions of young PFs like Bosh and Beasley and potential trade partners like New York (where Amare's former coach D'Antoni now runs the wide-open offensive system STAT loves). Anything can happen - but we have reason to think that when the dust settles the Suns' partner will be Portland, and the acquisition will be Aldridge.

And what might this have to do with Dallas?

If it happens, this appreciably alters the playoff chase in the West as well as the fortunes of the two teams themselves. Adding Stoudemire's explosive interior play to Portland takes them from a nice up-and-coming talent-laden team of the future to a scary threat right now, and adding an enthusiastic talented PF who is willing to work on defense alongside Shaq brings Phoenix right back into the mix of contenders. If it happens (and I really think it will), expect this deal to motivate other teams – San Antonio? Houston? And yes, Dallas? -- to scurry to the trade table to discuss upgrades of their own in a quest to keep up with the moving and shaking.

Link (http://www.dallasbasketball.com/fullColumn.php?id=1307)



Portland would be nuts to do that trade. And it does not necessarily make Phoenix closer to a championship team.

[DUNCANownsKOBE2]

I would do that trade in a heartbeat

Especially if they somehow got Conley involved.

[YellowFever]

Why was Nash spared?

It's obvious the Suns are getting ready to rebuild or do they really think they can trade a major piece (granted amare is dumber than a doorknob) and still compete this year?

It's pretty obvious to me that Shaq's game and Nash's game are incompatible.

If they're going into rebuilding mode, do it from scratch.

Nash is a pretty good PG but judging by his age and ability to play in only one speed (granted he's probably the best in the league at that speed) and not to mention the most pathetic D I've ever seen, it only makes sense to keep Nash if you want to go back to Dantoni style offense, which they probably won't do.

[Armando]

Why was Nash spared?

It's obvious the Suns are getting ready to rebuild or do they really think they can trade a major piece (granted amare is dumber than a doorknob) and still compete this year?

It's pretty obvious to me that Shaq's game and Nash's game are incompatible.

If they're going into rebuilding mode, do it from scratch.

Nash is a pretty good PG but judging by his age and ability to play in only one speed (granted he's probably the best in the league at that speed) and not to mention the most pathetic D I've ever seen, it only makes sense to keep Nash if you want to go back to Dantoni style offense, which they probably won't do.


The irony being thier defense was better under D'Antoni then with Porter.

[vicphoenix13]

Why was Nash spared?

It's obvious the Suns are getting ready to rebuild or do they really think they can trade a major piece (granted amare is dumber than a doorknob) and still compete this year?

It's pretty obvious to me that Shaq's game and Nash's game are incompatible.

If they're going into rebuilding mode, do it from scratch.

Nash is a pretty good PG but judging by his age and ability to play in only one speed (granted he's probably the best in the league at that speed) and not to mention the most pathetic D I've ever seen, it only makes sense to keep Nash if you want to go back to Dantoni style offense, which they probably won't do.

The reason Nash isn't being shopped is because the Suns don't have a point guard waiting to take over. The Suns only trade Nash if they can get a young point guard in return.

[YellowFever]

The reason Nash isn't being shopped is because the Suns don't have a point guard waiting to take over. The Suns only trade Nash if they can get a young point guard in return.


Ergo, my question: Why was Nash spared?

If he's not on the trading block, there will be no deals with young PG for Nash.

Better to put him up and say "I got Steve freaking Nash here to trade for a decent young PG."

[Armando]

Ergo, my question: Why was Nash spared?

If he's not on the trading block, there will be no deals with young PG for Nash.

Better to put him up and say "I got Steve freaking Nash here to trade for a decent young PG."



I would think even Nash is there for the taking if the right player is offered.

[peskypesky]

I would think even Nash is there for the taking if the right player is offered.

Jason Kidd?

[JMarkJohns]

I would think even Nash is there for the taking if the right player is offered.

I bet New York jumps all over one of these two deals...

Nash to the Knicks for Lee/2nd/Rose... Knicks get their true PG, reunite him with D'Antoni, and don't hinder their 2010 salary CAP by doing so.

or, even better...

Nash to Knicks for Lee/Robinson or Chandler/Jeffries... Knicks get Nash and actually get to dump significant money in the process. With Nash and Duhon, the novelty act that is Robinson isn't necessary, so he's the likeliest of he and Chandler to be traded. The Suns would own his restricted rights and could match any reasonable offer. The Knicks would be willing to part with a quality package like Lee and Robinson because Phoenix takes Jeffries 7 million 2010-11 salary off their books, freeing it up for all the stars they'll be after that offseason. By including Robinson, they also save the likely MLE-salary he'll cost them to keep, or by including Chandler, they'll save two million and his extension going forward.

I think if the Suns really pushed, they could snatch Lee (whom the Knicks have no real interest in keeping as he's not a D'Antoni guy), Robinson and Chandler, though it may cost them Barbosa and require them to take on Rose as well.

Nash/Barbosa for Lee/Robinson/Chandler/Jeffries/Rose works and makes sense for each team.

[TampaDude]

That fucktard should remove his "black jesus" tattoo and replace it with one that says "black judas".

Actually, I was thinking more along the lines of "black douchebag". :lol

[vicphoenix13]

Ergo, my question: Why was Nash spared?

If he's not on the trading block, there will be no deals with young PG for Nash.

Better to put him up and say "I got Steve freaking Nash here to trade for a decent young PG."

Its not like Kerr hasn't been asked about Nash. I am sure if a team was willing to overpay, than Nash would be traded. The Suns are just not actively trying to trade Nash.

[Lp26]

Dammit PHX. You want to trade with the Pistons. You really want AI's expiring contract. We will even give you Jason Maxiell. He eats babies. What more could you want?

Just imagine Nash/AI; back court that dreams are made of.

[MANUUU]

amare backing up duncan. now that's a pretty picture. :D haha

[layupdrill]

Portland wont make that deal, and Detroit won't get that lucky to unload AI and Sheed .

[DUNCANownsKOBE2]

can you please get rid of that sig lol, the Suns are giving me enough of a headache. Seeing my favorite athlete miss out on the ring he deserves so badly is rubbing major salt on the wounds.

[djohn2oo8]

Steve Kerr has made some stupid moves before....


February 05, 2009

Amare Stoudemire a Rocket? The Rockets will try but come up short

Yahoo basketball columnist Adrian Wojnarowski had a very interesting piece (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=aw-stoudemiresuns020509&prov=yhoo&type=lgns)come out on Thursday where he talked about the Suns willingness to listen to offers for Amare Stoudemire.

A source close to the Rockets front office told me that the Rockets have explored trading for Stoudemire but that nothing is imminent. It is believed that the Rockets are going to gussy up their trade offer and see if they can get something done. I spoke with one NBA insider who told me not to get my hopes up.

Before we get to why the Rockets probably can't land Stoudemire, let's look at why the Suns are considering dealing him. According to my insider, the Suns aren't exactly thrilled with the fact that Stoudemire wanted Mike D'Antoni fired last year, but pines for him now that he realizes D'Antoni was a perfect fit for his game.The Suns are also said to be concerned with how Stoudemire's knee is going to hold up over the long term thanks to his micro-fracture surgery. Do you think they are really all that crazy about giving an extension to a player who is always unhappy with his head coach and who has had microfracture surgery in the recent past?
The final, but very important, reason that Phoenix will look to move Stoudemire is the fact that they are having serious financial issues. The rough economy has hit many professional sports owners, but Suns owner Robert Sarver has been hit particularly hard. The Suns will be looking for an expiring contract or two with any deal they consider.
My insider simply doesn't believe that the Rockets will be able to offer enough to keep pace with what other NBA teams will offer for Stoudemire. While the Rockets could look to move Ron Artest and potentially Luis Scola or Carl Landry as part of the trade, there will be other teams in the league who will be able to offer a first round pick (which the Rockets can't do if they make the playoffs) and a better young player to build around than Scola or Landry. While Artest could help the Suns this year, it is unlikely that they would consider extending him after this year.
The Rockets may very well take their best shot in the Amare Stoudemire trade talks - after all, Daryl Morey and Les Alexander aren't afraid to take chance. However, when it is all said and done, they probably won't be able to match what a team with better young talent could offer.


Posted by Lance Zierlein at February 5, 2009 10:18 PM

[pauls931]

amare backing up duncan. now that's a pretty picture. :D haha

I knew all along spurs fans sported wood for Amare. :toast

[Indazone]

just say no

[da_suns_fan]

If the Suns move Amare they should force the other team to take Shaq with him.

Any trade is moot if the Suns still have Shaq.

Unfortunatley, thats like 36 million in payroll.

[DUNCANownsKOBE2]

If the Suns move Amare they should force the other team to take Shaq with him.

Any trade is moot if the Suns still have Shaq.

Unfortunatley, thats like 36 million in payroll.

You really didn't watch basketball prior to 2004, did you?

[ClingingMars]

You really didn't watch basketball prior to 2004, did you?

he was one of the annoying Suns trolls during the whole 2007 series.

[DUNCANownsKOBE2]

he was one of the annoying Suns trolls during the whole 2007 series.

I know, I've heard several references about him. I figured he's a "Die hard since 2004" and it was accurate. The way this is obvious is because the die hards since 2004 talk about how much they know Shaq is hurting the offense as if they've never seen a team that actually has a legit low post player.

[5in10]

http://games.espn.go.com/nba/features/traderesult?players=511~2177~3241~1727&teams=21~21~21~3&te=&cash=

[kcplayboi_26]

http://games.espn.go.com/nba/features/traderesult?players=511~2177~3241~1727&teams=21~21~21~3&te=&cash=


id take it, i think ju ju got potential but i could be wrong