[East Valley Tribune] Suns looking to re-aquire Finley

why are the mavs cutting him. his game isn't what it once was, but to save on luxury tax...for mark cuban, ESPECIALLY knowing where he might end up.

 

He had an extremely disappointing season, leading to a couple of closed door "talks" between him and Don Nelson. The emergence of Daniels and Howard made him expendable, especially when he's been so maddingly inconsistent.

They wouldn't find any takers for his contract with 3 years left on his max deal.
It saves Cuban a ton of money.
It opens a roster spot.

It's a little harsh, but it's plenty understandable.

Evan

 

If I were him I'd go to Mia, Houston or Phx. While I am sure SA would take him, given they have Manu, Bowen, Barry and Brown in the wing spots I don't think they go out of their way to recruit him, and it would be questionable what Finley's role would be. I think he would want to have a bigger and clearer role than what he got in Dallas, and that certainly would not be in SA.

But Mia, Phx and Hou are all teams with a good chance at a rings where Finley would be a major part, and with different +/-s. Overall taxes are not a big deal betwen these 3 states as well, plus we (Rocket fans) emphasize this more than players do. They view contracts as more a sign of respect (taxes, except maybe in Canada, don't really factor) than the difference of a couple mil on the whole contract in terms of pocket money.

I would say major factors are:

Does Miami keep Eddie Jones. I think yes. That makes it more fuzzy whether their is a starting job for Finley. Even with Jones, it could happen. Wade could play more 1 minutes, leaving plenty of time for Jones and Finley to gobble up the 2 and 3 minutes, they would be tough.

How are his relations to Phx. They had faith in him and drafted him, but they also traded him for Jason Kidd. How he sits square with that org and community is important.

Houston does have a wide open starting spot, a big plus. But Houston was not as good as Mia or Phx and could be perceived as needing other pieces to be a title contender. Maybe JH could recruit him here.

BTW I think he would sign for the vet min. He gets paid the same overall, only more of the bill gets stuck to Cuban.

 

If Finley joins the Suns, they might win a championship next season.

 

It's gonna be crazy if the Suns get Finley. Mavs fans reactions will be interesting.
I hope the Rockets can get him.

 

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/features/rumors

Friday, July 1
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Raja Bell
Jazz Suns Saved by the Bell?
<Jul. 1> Raja Bell told ESPN.com on Friday that he's planning to join the Suns later this month, as soon as NBA free agents are allowed to formally sign new contracts. "We're still negotiating the terms and everything, but that's where I intend to sign," Bell said.
Knowing that Bell is bound to attract considerable interest from teams looking for a quality defender who's also underrated as a shot-maker, Phoenix was apparently quick to offer Bell a multi-year deal.


If this 'rumor' is correct then what reason could Suns have for wanting MF? Conceding JJ?

 

I do agree there is no room for Raja, Finley and Joe Johnson, but I don't Johnson is the man out. They moved Q out to make more long term money room for Joe Johnson.

If this is true, I think the Suns sign Joe Johnson and Bell and don't make a move for Finley. From the Suns perspective, this is pretty smart. Bell is a very good defender and adequate shooter who can play multiple positions, should be a good sub for them.