BUT WHY MOVE MARION?

Rumors surrounding the Suns include shopping 2 of the most dynamic players, and highest paid, teammates on the most exhilarating roster in the NBA.  Amare Stoudamire and, more prominently, Shawn Marion have been in trade talks ranging from Chicago to Boston. 

So why move Marion?  For starters, he is due $33.62 million over the next two years; almost $6 million more than Amare, and $10 million dollars more than Steve Nash. 

That’s a lot of scratch for any team to pay one guy.  However, with just two years left on it there will be many contending owners that will take the financial risk on the gamble that the move will be worth it.  Don’t forget, this is Shawn Marion.

At 29, you have to think Shawn Marion has two all-star years coming up.  When Marion is on, almost a given in the regular season, he feels up stat sheets like nobody else in basketball with the exception of Kevin Garnett. 

What’s more amazing is that his strongest ability is one that is not popularly measured on any stat sheet – the ability to defend the opposing teams’ most devastating scorer. 

At 82games.com, a thorough calculation has been put in place to do just that – measure a player’s defensive contribution.  And of all the lock down presences in the league, it was Shawn Marion who came out on top.

But its not all sunshine for Marion and Phoenix.

Phoenix is contending for a championship and Marion has faded in too many games. 

In 65 career playoff games Marion has scored 14 points or fewer on 25 occasions.  That’s nearly twice every five games he’s below 15 points! 

There should be a rule stating that if you’re healthy and playing in the playoffs, you need to average at least one point for every million you made that season or else your contract is not guaranteed. 

Despite his explosive, all-star level ability, does he have the make up to play on the biggest stages under all the pressure?

Secondly, many, perhaps even Phoenix’s own, feel that Marion has been a product of an overall coaching philosophy that fits his game and mind blowing athletic ability. 

We have seen player after player having career years playing under Mike D’Antoni and alongside Steve Nash.  Some think Marion, a 6’7” tweener is one of them and that at 29 his best years are behind him. 

Thirdly, Amare is 5 years younger and a more intimidating physical presence.  People can discourage his defense, but at the end of the day, in big games, his defense has proven electric.  For all of Marion’s excellence, he doesn’t strike the same level of fear in his opponents.

WHAT DOES PHOENIX WANT?

A lower average salary would be nice. 

The goals for trading Shawn Marion would be to bring in some younger, cheaper, D’Antoni type players.  He has turned around the careers of Raja Bell, Quentin Richardson, Boris Diaw, Leandro Barbosa, and even Steve Nash.  On top of that, what athletic offensive-minded player doesn’t want to play with Nash and his Phoenix Suns?

This draft has a lot of guys D’Antoni and Kerr would like to get their hands on.  And as previously stated they need a consistent, deadly shooter, and some front court depth.

Aside from a great draft pick, the Grizzlies have players who seem to fit the bill.  Memphis has an abundance of forwards.  They have six capable and productive forwards in Mike Miller, Rudy Gay, Hakim Warrick, Stromile Swift (who has missed most of the past three years to various injuries and a seeming lack of ability to catch a large leather orb), Alexander Johnson and Brian Cardinal. 

THIS TRADE SHOULD HAPPEN

A trade of Marion and the #24 pick for Miller, Swift and the #4 pick needs to happen. 

Phoenix gets a very desirable draft pick, a new deadliest shooter and solves their complete lack of front court depth. 

Memphis gets a respected all-star veteran.



Previous Page - Next Page