Draft spurs rumors of Marion deal

[SLOVENIAN 8]

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...6suns0626.html

[Doug Collins]

Marion has been the face of the franchise, and doesnt deserve to be treated this way. From a salary stand point it makes sense to trade him, cause his value is extremely high and the suns have 2 rising stars in Barbosa and Diaw that would keep the team compe ive along with Amare after Nash leaves. The beauty of the Suns system is that they can have lots of roster turnover and never really lose a beat. Nash has a lot to do with that, but what player wouldnt like to work in that system? I would hate to see Marion traded, but I understand why they would do so even though it is disrespectful to a player who has contributed so much to that franchise.