The day-after hangover from Thursday night’s NBA draft still lingers, and, in the case of the Suns, may linger for days to come.
In the wake of Shaquille O’Neal being traded, the Suns took Earl Clark with the 14th pick out of Rick Pitino’s Louisville program, which means in the immediate future he’s raw for the NBA level, athletic and can - or, at least, willing - to play defense.
None of that was of much interest. We were much more fascinated with rumors flying about Amare Stoudemire possibly going to Golden State for Andris Biedrins, Stephen Curry (the Warriors No. 7 pick) and perhaps Brandan Wright.
Suns general manager Steve Kerr acknowledged they received several phone calls about Amare, Leandro Barbosa and Robin Lopez (Really? Robin Lopez?) but, post-Shaq, denied anyone on the roster was being shopped.
Of course that’s a crock, unless you believe the jubilation from the Suns draft room after Minnesota took Jonny Flynn at No. 6 was because of some fairy tale not involving the Warriors getting Curry. The Suns have nothing to gain by publicly acknowledging or discussing such proposals, so they should keep quiet.
But as history suggests, it’s a cliche for a reason: Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.
If I’m Steve Kerr, I pull the trigger.
Regardless, we probably won’t know the outcome of this latest rumor until the first week in July, but at this point even that is a wild card for two reasons.
First, Golden State is giving up a lot, especially since they like Curry and figured he wouldn’t be around at No. 7, even though Curry is rumored to be less than thrilled about being a Warrior (I wouldn’t want to live in Oakland either, but why wouldn’t Curry want to play for Don Nelson’s track-meet team?).
Secondly, while Amare would fit nicely into the Warriors with his size, quickness and athleticism (not to mention a no-defense-required style), would the Warriors take on Amare’s contract this season in the wake of his eye surugery/recovery, and give him a maximum contract extension he’ll demand after next season when he can opt out and become a free agent? If the Warriors think they’d lose him to free agency after next season, there’s no chance they make a deal.
The Suns have no chance to make a championship run in the West given their current roster. If they’re not going to give Amare a maximum contract extension, the earlier they can trade him, the more pieces figure to come in return so they can start over.
It’s Steve Kerr that should go!
Shaquille O’Neal is only another one traded by PHX Suns general manger Steve Kerr, who again is going all-out to turn the Suns upside-down. And as you can see there’s more to go; like trading Amare Stoudemire, Steve Nash, Grant Hill, and Leandro Barbosa so that Kerr can start over again.
So they should keep quiet? Kerr has never been quiet about any of the trades.
Concerning rumors flying about Amare Stoudemire possibly going to Golden State for Andris Biedrins, Stephen Curry (the Warriors No. 7 pick)?
Golden State Warriors general manager Larry Riley has said; “Warriors top draft pick Stephen Curry will not be heading to the Suns in a trade”.
Dang it! I liked the idea of Curry coming here. I liked the idea of Amare leaving even more.
Would be interesting to hear any other possibilities but I think Amare will be a Sun until the trade deadline
What was the point of this article? General opinions that are already public knowledge. Good scoop…..(SARCASM)