Wojnarowski: Spurs consider bidding for Stoudemire

Amare isn't known for his defense. He's never been the difference maker when the Spurs faced the Suns in the post season. They need a more steady defensive force in the paint and Amare doesn't fit that role. Phoenix has never won anything with him, and I don't think his game will change just because he's wearing a different uniform. Its an interesting thought, but I'm going to have to pass. Atleast management knows they have to make a move before the deadline, and I have confidence they'll get something done.

Unless we get Shane Battier or a dominant stopper, I really dont see the point in worrying so much over a loss in defense. The Spurs have lost their edge in the defensive department and what better way to compensate with a offensive powerhouse in Amare.

Ideally, a Jefferson for Amare trade would be magical. Bogans is capable of playing a lot of time at our 3 spot, or as Pop likes, could have Manu there. We really just need anything at the moment to get this team going again.

i'm still trying to wrap my head around the fact that Mahinmi, since that coming out game against NJ, hasn't gotten enough time out on the floor. in the desperate state the Spurs are in you'd think they'd find a way to use him.

And i still believe in RJ. i think he'll pull through.

http://i48.tinypic.com/33w04ma.gif

The worst part is that Amare would straight up bail once the season is over. He'd pull a Boozer on the Spurs by telling them he'd re-sign, but come summer he'll be in NJ or Miami or wherever.

The difference between that and Manu is that at least if Manu walked the Spurs would still have Hill and/or Splitter or whomever else they'd have to give up.

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Originally Posted by Kori Ellis

Unfortunately Phoenix isn't going to take RJ's contract. They are looking for expiring contracts.. so that would be Manu plus someone like Bonner.

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Why would the Suns trade Stoudemire for an expiring if he himself has an expiring contract?

I think RJ + Tiago's drafting rights give the Suns a proven for next year and someone for the long haul. On the other hand, taking Manu this year and him not staying would not be that palatable.

Spurs can't pass up the opportunity to get Amare for Manu especially if Amare comes to terms with the Spurs for the long term.

Manu will get offered more money than the Spurs are willing to pony up this summer. Reason why I say that is because there will only be a handful of superstars available that are actually worth the max, while at least half the league will be significantly under the cap to afford the max players. Most teams will then overpay for 2nd tier players like Manu. IMO That being said Spurs have to really consider trading Manu now and getting something back in return for now and for the future.

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Originally Posted by Spursfanfromafar

Why would the Suns trade Stoudemire for an expiring if he himself has an expiring contract?

I think RJ + Tiago's drafting rights give the Suns a proven for next year and someone for the long haul. On the other hand, taking Manu this year and him not staying would not be that palatable.

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Well I think they want a player to help them. But if they aren't getting a superstar, I think they want expiring contracts so that they can still be flexible in free agency.

I'm not sure RJ is appealing to anyone right now with the way he's been playing.. his contract is hard to swallow for this year and next.

It would be a tough pill for Spurs' fans to swallow, but it would be a wise business move especially if Amare agrees to an extension here.

I think phoenix might entertain taking RJ. I mean IMO he would actually be a pretty nice fit there with Nash running point..


RJ needs a snash or jkidd to be effective...

If they're reporting it, then it's not gonna happen.. Move along.

We need our fellow Suns posters to weigh in on this.

If the FO does decide to take Stoudemire, they have to have a backup plan to make the D respectable..if you aren't going to fix the frontcourt, then you HAVE to help the perimeter D..we like to talk about the lack of size, which is obvious, but our perimeter D is horrible as well, pretty much everybody other than Hill(Bogans occasionally/Hairston doesn't play)..

Still, I highly doubt this happens..I'd be shocked..

BTW, if they're actually willing to move Manu, I hope they make the pitch for Iggy/Dalembert, even though it's unlikely..

If PHX got straight expirings + picks/rights and all options are picked up for next year they'd have a total of about $46 million and 10 guys under contract.

Optomistic-high cap scenarios for next season I've seen listed at around $54 million. After cap holds for roster spots, they'd have what, $6 million base to start with for free agenst plus the MLE?

Unless they wanted to get tricky and dump Grant Hill and Barbosa, then they'd have some room.

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Originally Posted by objective

If PHX got straight expirings + picks/rights and all options are picked up for next year they'd have a total of about $46 million and 10 guys under contract.

Optomistic-high cap scenarios for next season I've seen listed at around $54 million. After cap holds for roster spots, they'd have what, $6 million base to start with for free agenst plus the MLE?

Unless they wanted to get tricky and dump Grant Hill and Barbosa, then they'd have some room.

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They wouldn't have the MLE if they were under the cap.

Amar'e has really regressed especially since his eye surgery. His defense is not what it was the past couple years. W/ the Spurs defensive woes, Idk if this is the idea trade.

Hmmm ... this is tough to figure out. Amare is a great scorer who could really help save Duncan from wear and tear. He could basically become the go-to scorer and allow Duncan to rest up for when it really matters. Unlike RJ, Amare is selfish enough that he won't be afraid to "get his" even if he has to step on toes.

If a trade involves RJ and keeps the Big 3 intact, I think you have to pull the trigger. The Suns would obviously want some combination of Hill, Blair and/or Splitter to get the deal done. (Though Hill doesn't make much sense since they have Dragic [who might be better already] and Barbosa. Blair and Splitter make more sense.)

The bonus of trading RJ is that the Spurs could either re-sign Amare or open up room under the salary cap to retain flexibility. That could be valuable, especially if everything goes sour and the Spurs need a major shakeup.

Trading Manu for Amare? That's a different story. Without Manu, integrating Amare on the team would be much more difficult since Manu and Amare would be the most natural two-man game. Plus I highly doubt RJ could step into Manu's role as the team's go-to swingman. If anything, RJ would find even less touches with Amare in the picture.

The only way a Manu package makes sense to me is if Manu gets hurt again or if the Spurs really think that Manu is on his final leg and won't make it through the playoffs. If either are the case, swinging for the fences by trading for Amare makes sense -- especially since the window is quickly closing.

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Originally Posted by Kori Ellis

Well I think they want a player to help them. But if they aren't getting a superstar, I think they want expiring contracts so that they can still be flexible in free agency.

I'm not sure RJ is appealing to anyone right now with the way he's been playing.. his contract is hard to swallow for this year and next.

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Hmm.. I don't know. Manu is not lighting up the stats this year as well.. Plus they already have Barbosa to back up Jason R. I still think that the Suns will push for RJ + Bonner (Mason perhaps if they think Barbosa's wrist problem continues) along with Tiago's rights.

RJ also fits Alvin Gentry's system quite well.

Or possibly its the Manu-fan in me not wanting him to leave the Spurs.

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Originally Posted by Spursfanfromafar

Hmm.. I don't know. Manu is not lighting up the stats this year as well.. Plus they already have Barbosa to back up Jason R. I still think that the Suns will push for RJ + Bonner (Mason perhaps if they think Barbosa's wrist problem continues) along with Tiago's rights.

RJ also fits Alvin Gentry's system quite well.

Or possibly its the Manu-fan in me not wanting him to leave the Spurs.

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Well hopefully they push for RJ + Bonner + Splitter... that's an easy decision for the Spurs.

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Originally Posted by Spursfanfromafar

Hmm.. I don't know. Manu is not lighting up the stats this year as well.. Plus they already have Barbosa to back up Jason R. I still think that the Suns will push for RJ + Bonner (Mason perhaps if they think Barbosa's wrist problem continues) along with Tiago's rights.

RJ also fits Alvin Gentry's system quite well.

Or possibly its the Manu-fan in me not wanting him to leave the Spurs.

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Barbosa is out for 4-6 weeks after removing a cyst from his wrist. He will basically be out until March. Worst case scenario is that he is out for the rest of the season, making Manu leaving quite the possibility if the trade goes through.

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Originally Posted by HarlemHeat37

If the FO does decide to take Stoudemire, they have to have a backup plan to make the D respectable..if you aren't going to fix the frontcourt, then you HAVE to help the perimeter D..we like to talk about the lack of size, which is obvious, but our perimeter D is horrible as well, pretty much everybody other than Hill(Bogans occasionally/Hairston doesn't play)..

Still, I highly doubt this happens..I'd be shocked..

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The only significant perimeter defender that's worth playing 25 plus minutes in the Spurs rotation, and that would be available with what we have to offer would be James Posey for simple expirings. We wouldn't have to really include incentives such as a pick or picks either.


I can't think of any other player that fits both descriptions ( worthy of playing 25 plus minutes a night and being available for simple expirings).

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Originally Posted by MaNu4Tres

The only significant perimeter defender that's worth playing 25 plus minutes in the Spurs rotation, and that would be available with what we have to offer would be James Posey for simple expirings. We wouldn't have to really include incentives such as a pick or picks either.


I can't think of any other player that fits both descriptions ( worthy of playing 25 plus minutes a night and being available for simple expirings).

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I agree, but they would really have to figure something..

Who would start at the 3 anyways?..Finley pretty much becomes the only option if RJ is gone and that would be suicide..

Wojnarowski is so shamelessly full of it! This will never happen, for the same reason most people on this board know it will never happen: he doesn't address a need (in this case, that of a hustling defensive big), and he's over-priced, to boot.

what if phoenix is asking RJ+Blair for Amare? spurs fans do this?