SLOVENIAN 8
06-27-2006, 01:57 AM
Paul Coro
The Arizona Republic
Jun. 26, 2006 12:00 AM
There could be several trades during Wednesday's NBA draft, and if the rumor mill were gospel, Suns All-Star Shawn Marion would be involved in each one.
The annual Marion trade rumor season has opened, especially with the Suns openly wishing they could move up in the draft to get an impact rookie rather than prospects with the 21st and 27th picks.
In recent days, reports have mentioned talk of a deal sending Marion to Chicago for Tyson Chandler and the Bulls' No. 2 pick, according to the (Racine, Wis.) Journal Times, and the "very close" conclusion of a deal sending Marion to Seattle, possibly with Leandro Barbosa, for Rashard Lewis, Danny Fortson and a swap of two first-round picks (according to draftexpress.com). Seattle sits at No. 10 in the draft.
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Suns officials deny the reports, but there is no denying the payroll predicament.
Phoenix's team payroll would be at about $61 million for next season without re-signing free agent Tim Thomas. The luxury tax threshold, a dollar-for-dollar penalty that Managing Partner Robert Sarver would prefer not to cross, is projected to be about $63 million next year. A season later (2007-08), long-term contract extensions for Barbosa and Boris Diaw could start and drive the payroll up at least $12 million.
As Phoenix's top-paid player, Marion would make $15.1 million, $16.4 million and $17.2 million in the next three seasons. Lewis makes $16 million less over those three years.
At season's end, Suns coach Mike D'Antoni said he would listen to offers but that Marion would stay. That remains likely.
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/articles/0626suns0626.html
The Arizona Republic
Jun. 26, 2006 12:00 AM
There could be several trades during Wednesday's NBA draft, and if the rumor mill were gospel, Suns All-Star Shawn Marion would be involved in each one.
The annual Marion trade rumor season has opened, especially with the Suns openly wishing they could move up in the draft to get an impact rookie rather than prospects with the 21st and 27th picks.
In recent days, reports have mentioned talk of a deal sending Marion to Chicago for Tyson Chandler and the Bulls' No. 2 pick, according to the (Racine, Wis.) Journal Times, and the "very close" conclusion of a deal sending Marion to Seattle, possibly with Leandro Barbosa, for Rashard Lewis, Danny Fortson and a swap of two first-round picks (according to draftexpress.com). Seattle sits at No. 10 in the draft.
advertisement
Suns officials deny the reports, but there is no denying the payroll predicament.
Phoenix's team payroll would be at about $61 million for next season without re-signing free agent Tim Thomas. The luxury tax threshold, a dollar-for-dollar penalty that Managing Partner Robert Sarver would prefer not to cross, is projected to be about $63 million next year. A season later (2007-08), long-term contract extensions for Barbosa and Boris Diaw could start and drive the payroll up at least $12 million.
As Phoenix's top-paid player, Marion would make $15.1 million, $16.4 million and $17.2 million in the next three seasons. Lewis makes $16 million less over those three years.
At season's end, Suns coach Mike D'Antoni said he would listen to offers but that Marion would stay. That remains likely.
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/articles/0626suns0626.html