http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/sports/articles/0623mcgrady0623.html# Suns would trade Marion, pick, more for McGrady Paul Coro The Arizona Republic Jun. 23, 2004 12:00 AM Trade talks that would bring four-time All-Star and NBA scoring champion Tracy McGrady to Phoenix grew stronger Tuesday as Orlando's proposal to deal the guard to Houston faltered. Phoenix is discussing a package that would include Shawn Marion, the No. 7 pick in Thursday's draft and possibly another player, according to a person familiar with the negotiations. Phoenix will not give up Amaré Stoudemire or Joe Johnson. Phoenix's shot at McGrady appeared bleak when Orlando and Houston reportedly agreed to a seven-player deal that would have swapped McGrady and Rockets guard Steve Francis. But Orlando showed more interest in Phoenix's offerings after Francis' cold reaction and issues with his contract. If the Suns make the trade, they likely would want McGrady to yield his player option, which comes up after next season. McGrady, 25, still would make $32.6 million combined for the 2005-06 and 2006-07 seasons. Phoenix traded for Antonio McDyess in 1997 and lost him after one season when he signed as a free agent with Denver. Orlando sought trade offers when McGrady said he would opt out of his seven-year, $93 million deal if the Magic did not jump from last season's NBA cellar. Houston, Indiana and Phoenix are believed to be the strongest bidders. If Phoenix and Orlando do not make a trade, the Suns are talking about a swap of first-round picks with Cleveland. That would drop the Suns to No. 10 in exchange for other considerations.
Related: If McGrady trade talks sour, Suns could strike By Mike Tulumello, Tribune The longer the negotiations between Orlando and Houston drag on over the Tracy McGrady trade, the better the chances for the Suns to snag "T-Mac." The Suns are known to be going after McGrady, whose trade value has been a matter of debate after the Magic’s terrible 21-win season. The Rockets are thought to be offering a package of players that includes Steve Francis, Cuttino Mobley and Kelvin Cato. But the Suns have much to offer as well. Any deal almost certainly would have to include Shawn Marion, a No. 1 draft pick and a role player or two. The Magic are thought to want either Amare Stoudemire or a combination of Marion and the rising Joe Johnson. In fact, a New York Times report has the Suns offering Marion, Johnson and the No. 7 pick in the draft. Yet a similar trade idea that made the media rounds about a month ago was scoffed at by the Suns. On Tuesday night, club president Bryan Colangelo said, "We don’t comment on trade speculation." The Rockets-Magic trade may have hit a snag because Francis’ agent confirmed the player doesn’t want to leave Houston. But Francis is under contract for several years and would have no choice but to accept a trade. The New York Times quoted an agent as saying that Magic general manger John Weisbrod "is setting a bad precedent by caving in to this guy." One aspect of a trade with the Rockets that the Magic no doubt find appealing is that the Rockets supposedly are willing to accept the bloated contract of Juwan Howard, who has five years and about $33 million left on his contract. Also, McGrady is thought to want to sign a long-term deal with the Rockets because they have one of the game’s best centers in Yao Ming. http://www.aztrib.com/index.php?sty=23574
This years #7 pick would be somewhat shaky, considering that this is one of the weakest drafts in the last 5 years.
The fact that the Suns dont want to give up Joe Johnson in a deal is HUGE. Marion/Jacobson/#7 isnt a tremendous deal. Putting Jonhnson in there makes it much more appealing. Good find Jeff!
Plus, I just cannot see them thinking that Marion and the #7 are better than what the Rockets are offering. All indications are that Indiana would give up Artest, but not Harrington, the Suns will give up Marion but not Johnson. The Rockets deal is still the best if Francis would just shut up.
I agree with Jeff and Deuce. Marion and the #7 in this draft don't come close to Francis, Mobley and Cato. Not even if they are forced to deal Francis for someone like Ray Allen or Gilbert Arenas. I'm still worried about the Indiana deal if it includes Artest and Harrington.
I would be so happy if Shawn Marion would tell the media today that he doesn't want to play in Orlando, either. Then we could have a simple, out-in-the-open debate over who the hell is running this league.
That would make my day. But then Indiana would probably come out on top, until Artest said he didn't want to play there. then my head would explode.
Worry no more my friend, Indy has droped outa the T-Mac, Shaq sweep stakes ... http://bbs2.clutchfans.net/showthread.php?threadid=79176
