The Matrix is still not feeling Suns love

[SenorSpur]

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/articles/09240925p2main-ON.html

Are Suns, Matrix now at odds?

But according to several Suns sources, Marion seems to be unhappy that the team will not talk about a contract extension. The word is that the four-time All-Star, in his eighth year with the team, wants $60 million over three years. Marion, already the highest-paid Suns player, will make $16.4 million this season and $17.8 million for 2008-09.

Trade rumors might not bother Marion much anymore, because there are indications that he would welcome a deal. The locker-room reviews on such an idea are mixed.

The two top trade possibilities involve Utah Jazz forward Andrei Kirilenko, who is even more disgruntled with his team, and Los Angeles Lakers forward Lamar Odom and a teammate, possibly forward Brian Cook.

A Marion deal still is unlikely because of the stars and salaries attached. But wasn't that also what we heard about the idea of a Kevin Garnett trade?

[BillsCarnage]

The Marion/Kirilenko rumor has been going on for a month or so. It's not going to happen.

If i were the Suns i'd listen to offers involving Odom and see who else LA could package.

This is likely Marion's last year as a Sun. He'd be stupid to walk away from the 08/09 salary - he's not going to get that from anyone else. But, the Suns don't want to pay that either.

It's too bad that marion could be open to trades now that KG is gone.

[SenorSpur]

The Marion/Kirilenko rumor has been going on for a month or so. It's not going to happen.

If i were the Suns i'd listen to offers involving Odom and see who else LA could package.

A few questions to you Bill and other Suns fans.

Doesn't this whole Marion situation concern you guys?
Aren't you worried how this whole thing will affect your season?
Do you want Marion to stay or go?

[BillsCarnage]

I'd like him to stay. He is a freak of a player that can guard all 5 positions and probably their best 1on1 defender.

I've always been a Marion fan, but the Suns (JC and BC at the time) over paid him. If he's going to turn into a distraction - which the media will likely portray - then it might be best to part with him. The Suns have indicated in the past that they are unlikely to give him an extension.

It could affect the season, but i don't think Nash or Amare will let it. Or Hill either.

If Marion doesn't want to be here then he needs to shut up and play, then opt out. Or just shut up and play out the contract. He's not hurting for $$ and $60mil over 3yrs is nuts for him.

An Odom package for Marion might fit both teams nicely.

[AZLouis]

Let him go.

Marion is a good defender, does a lot of things great, but his constant whining, and his refusal to work on his game are too much to handle for a guy who complains about a lack of respect yet he is the highest paid player on the team.

It's maddening to read/listen to reports and interviews with other Suns players who are trying to improve their skill sets, yet Marion is happy to be that guy who can't dribble and can't shoot.

He's on pace to be the last guy to report to camp, while Nash/Amare have worked hard all summer at becoming better players.

[Chris Childs]

Marion is a pussy.

[BillsCarnage]

Lou! Where have you been hiding?

Marion doesn't arrive early anyway.

Don't forget the source of this article... The wonderful company line toeing Mr. Coro. ;-)

[AZLouis]

I recently moved to Nebraska and haven't had a lot of time to post.

I've got to get NBA League Pass or whatever Direct TV has so I don't miss a game.

[Medvedenko]

Well Matrix for Odom and Cook...I would do it....the lakers haven't done anything with Odom and Kobe, so let's make the change. Will they be better...maybe, but you can't do worse.

[MrChug]

I'd like him to stay. He is a freak of a player that can guard all 5 positions and probably their best 1on1 defender.

I've always been a Marion fan, but the Suns (JC and BC at the time) over paid him. If he's going to turn into a distraction - which the media will likely portray - then it might be best to part with him. The Suns have indicated in the past that they are unlikely to give him an extension.

It could affect the season, but i don't think Nash or Amare will let it. Or Hill either.

If Marion doesn't want to be here then he needs to shut up and play, then opt out. Or just shut up and play out the contract. He's not hurting for $$ and $60mil over 3yrs is nuts for him.

An Odom package for Marion might fit both teams nicely.

Claims to be a Suns fan and forgot about Raja Bell!!!!!!!!!!!! :lmao!!!

[baseline bum]

Marion wants a $60 million extension? :lmao

Who does he think he is? Shaq? Marion's a great guy to have for $10 million a year, but $20 million? No way.

[Xylus]

$20 mil. for Marion is absolute nonsense. I wouldn't even pay Nash that much.

[RonMexico]

Quick take on the situation from Dubai:

I could see an Odom/Cook deal being awesome. Cook is a pussy, but can hit open 3's, so that's not bad in the Suns' offense... he's really a less clutch, less suave Horry in a sense.

Next - Odom probably doesn't like playing with Kobe that much, he can create off the dribble (something Marion can't) and probably would enjoy playing out there with Amare, Diaw, and Nash.

AK47 deal would still suck balls. I like Marion a lot, but sometimes you have to the cut the losses. Additionally, when everyone was making fun of the Suns signing Hill, I welcomed the maturity and potential chemistry boost he could bring... I think improved chemistry would help this team greatly and could possibly keep Nash from having to save their asses by playing 35 mins per game.

Then again, we would be placing hope in a sour puss (Cook) and a guy whose immaturity has derailed much of his career.

[Obstructed_View]

Well Matrix for Odom and Cook...I would do it....the lakers haven't done anything with Odom and Kobe, so let's make the change. Will they be better...maybe, but you can't do worse.
Except that you'd double the number of all-stars who don't show up for the playoffs on the Lakers roster.

[Medvedenko]

Man you're hillarious....that one game where Kobe didn't show up against the suns and now all other games of his heorics are negated....keep chucking, one will stick eventually.

[baseline bum]

Quick take on the situation from Dubai:

I could see an Odom/Cook deal being awesome. Cook is a pussy, but can hit open 3's, so that's not bad in the Suns' offense... he's really a less clutch, less suave Horry in a sense.

Next - Odom probably doesn't like playing with Kobe that much, he can create off the dribble (something Marion can't) and probably would enjoy playing out there with Amare, Diaw, and Nash.

AK47 deal would still suck balls. I like Marion a lot, but sometimes you have to the cut the losses. Additionally, when everyone was making fun of the Suns signing Hill, I welcomed the maturity and potential chemistry boost he could bring... I think improved chemistry would help this team greatly and could possibly keep Nash from having to save their asses by playing 35 mins per game.

Then again, we would be placing hope in a sour puss (Cook) and a guy whose immaturity has derailed much of his career.

About the only thing Cook and Horry share is range. Cook doesn't rebound, doesn't play D, is less athletic even at 10+ years younger, is a soft ass bitch, and so on.

[Medvedenko]

I agree on your Cook assessment...he can shoot though.

[LakeShow]

About the only thing Cook and Horry share is range. Cook doesn't rebound, doesn't play D, is less athletic even at 10+ years younger, is a soft ass bitch, and so on.

Agreed! He's also a whinning ass unprofessional S.O.B. Why he's still here is a mystery to me. I don't want his ass in the locker room this season. He's a cancer!

[exstatic]

Marion needs to STFU and play out his contract if he even wants a large fraction of the MCE on his next deal. He needs to recognize that he fell into money in a very lucky fashion by being paid franchise money as a 3rd or 4th banana at best, and that he will never see that kind of money again, especially give his annual playoff Houdini immitation.

[AZLouis]

Sean Deveny of the Sporting News is reporting that the trade is 50/50 involving Marion and Odom.

Paul Coro of the AZ Republic says both parties have spoken and neither are denying anything.

[RonMexico]

I'd be satisfied with Odom... step down from KG... step up from AK47