I'm sorry my fellow Suns fans, but I think this has gone too far. I have decided to join the Free Steve Nash movement. We can put of trading Nash and thinking he will help bring big name FA's to the Suns, but that is just wishful thinking, when in reality the only free agents worth looking at are an injured Eric Gordon, Wilson Chandler, and, yes, Steve Nash.

We are in a similar situation with Nash as we are with Amare. Nash's stance of staying with the Suns has changed over time, first it was the "I want to play 3 more years here", then it was "I am committed to signing an extension here" now it's the "I am 100 % commited to the Suns AT THIS TIME".

I realize many of you are Suns fans because of their up tempo style of offense and the playmaking of Nash, but I've been a Suns fan forever. I've been a Suns fan through the terrible Penny and Marbury years and the even worse 2003-2004 29 win season. I love Steve Nash, but I'm a Suns fan first, then a Nash fan. Trading Steve Nash is the best option for the team moving forward. We aren't going to sign Dwight Howard in the offseason and him and Nash will dominate the league. We're probably going to sign J.R. Smith and have the F.O. claim he can provide the same amount of production as Jason Richardson, while going on to another .400 mediocre year.

The Suns will be terrible after they trade Nash, more terrible than they are right now, but it is the right move for the future. I know many of you will not watch the Suns after trading Nash, that's fine, you can go be a Nash fan in New York, but I'll stay here and be a Suns fan. The Steve Nash era is over, he can't be the savior with crap around him anymore and the only way to get good players around him is to make a trade, too bad Gortat and Nash are our only valuable trade assets. It's like asking Jason Kidd to lead the Mavs without Dirk, it's just not possible. Also, keep in mind there is no guarantee Nash re-signs here. He can pull the whole "I want one last shot to win" and sign with the Knicks, leaving us with a 1 page ad in the Arizona Republic. Why let the Suns and Nash suffer through this losing, it's time to put Nash and the Suns out of their misery (not literally, okay maybe).

http://basketbawful.blogspot.com/2012/01/free-steve-nash.html

Today Mr. Paul Coro wrote an article concerning the Suns immediate and long term future. Here is a link to it, 

Suns face forks in road to recovery

One of the things I noticed was near the end of the article, Coro listed potential FA or Trade targets for the Suns. The players he listed were:

Point Guard: Rodney Stuckey

Shooting Guard: Aaron Affalo

Small Forward: Al Thornton

Power Forward: Luc Mbah a Moute

Center: DeAndre Jordan

Those players interested me, in particular, Aaron Affalo and DeAndre Jordan. If we were to acquire DeAndre Jordan, a young guy (22 Years Old) who averaged 7 points, 7 rebounds and shot 68% FG in just his 3rd Season. This would allow Gortat to be more expendable. I honestly like Gortat and would prefer not to trade him but if we could get a young borderline all-star (Iguodala) or a future all-star or superstar (Derrick Williams) I would make the trade and get DeAndre Jordan. The other player who interested me was Aaron Affalo. He's a high percentage shooter, good defender and just a smart player. He would be an excellent pickup and would be priority number 1 for the front office in my opinion. As for the other players, I would not mind Al Thornton, he's a good scorer, solid defender and isn't afraid to drive the lane. He nearly averaged 17 ppg in his sophomore season. To me, he is a low risk potentially high reward. However, I would not want Rodney Stuckey on this team. I haven't watched him much but from what I have seen, I can evaluate him as an Aaron Brooks like, shoot first PG which we don't need. Luc Mbah a Moute also is a low risk low reward player, and is a good rebounder and defender. I could see the front office liking him. Whether through a sign or a trade, it seems as if the Suns have some plans in mind, and we could potentially pick up some useful players.  

"All star free agents want to go to a major city..Bron can win in Cleveland but not 4 or 6 rings.. The league is different from 20 yrs ago"

"Look at all sports what teams have the most championships.. All are from Major Cities."

"What people have to realize it harder to win if ur not in a major city.. Like Jordan in CHI, or Magic and Kobe in La, or Bird in Bos"

"Shaq leaving Orlando to La did that hurt his legacy winning 3 rings.. Or how bout him leaving to Miami and winning 1."

All from Jared Dudley's twitter. Jared talks about how Phoenix is a minor city, thus making it hard to win in Phoenix. Or he is saying Phoenix can't win at all, however you want to interpret it. People on twitter believe he is saying the Suns can't win. He also said you don't have to stay with your team to sustain your legacy *looks at Amare Stoudemire*. Dudley also said if New York offers Amare the max, it is "very possible" Amare will be a Knick. These could be harmless tweets, or it could be Jared knowing that Amare is on his way out, and management doesn't care to win. I don't blame him. His best friend is on the way out and the Suns are unsure about their future, but remember my friends, no matter what happens with our GM, with Amare or with the franchise in general, don't stop believing. 

Stupid Sarver.

ESPN reports that Donnie Walsh and Mike D'Antoni will meet with Joe Johnson in LA, midnight on July 1, and after that meeting is held, the Knicks would also like to meet with Amare Stoudemire in Los Angeles.

Even though James is New York's main target, Chris Broussard points out that the Stoudemire/Johnson duo, which was sucessful in Phoenix, would be a nice consolation prize if James signs elsewhere.

My thoughts are that if James doesn't sign in NY, Amare is a Knick. They will offer Joe Johnson, and Stoudemire max money probably, thus overpaying them, and they will both accept happily. Amare would definitely leave his past with D'Antoni behind him for the max. If I remember correctly; if Stoudemire leaves the Suns will have $13 million worth of cap space, which could possibly sign: Rudy Gay, David Lee or Carlos Boozer. 

Source: Rotoworld

Ed Note: For consolidated Amare rumors, visit SB Nation Arizona's Amare Sage StoryStream.

Requested by twitte07

Since there is so much talk about what the Suns should do in the offseason about what to do with Amare: Sign and trade? Let him walk? Channing: sign him? Let him walk? LB: trade him for a pick? Trade him for raw talent? Lou: Resign him? Don't resign him to give Clark minutes? GM: Give the job to Rex?

My thoughts

Trade LB to Minnesota for a first round pick.

Sign and trade Amare to New Jersey for Yi Jialian and Courtney Lee, or Courtney Lee and Devin Harris, then trade Harris for David Lee.

Let Channing walk if he wants over 4 million.

Let Lou walk if Channing stays so Clark can get minutes.

And, give Rex the job.

David Griffin told Robert Sarver today that he would not want to become GM of the Suns, and he will not be returning to the Suns next season. I think David Griffin would be best for the job, as Seth said continuity is what the Suns need right now, that and chemistry. AZCentral reported and speculated on who would be candidates for the Suns GM next season. I will give a quick overview of them.

Dennis Lindsey - He is one of the 30 candidates the Suns will interview. His current position is the San Antonio Spurs assistant GM and Vice President. Before being the Spurs assistant GM, he was a exec for the Rockets. In 2009 the Wolves offered him the job of GM, he declined. Before joining the Rockets, he was a recruiting coordinator at a junior college.

Ronnie Lester - Currently the Lakers assistant GM. In 1987 he began working as the Lakers scout. He was just promoted to assistant GM in 2006. As a player he played under Lute Olsen, who regarded Lester as being the best player he ever coached. 

Tony Ronzone - He lives in the valley and was a scout for the Mavs from 1998-2000 and then the Pistons from 2001-2009, before being hired as the Wolves assistant GM. He is also the Director of International Player Personnel of the USA Basketball Nation Team. He helped land Zeljiko Rebraca, Mehmet Okur and Carlos Delfino and DRUM ROLL PLEASE! Darko Milicic. No, just no. Worst Choice IMO.

Rex Champman - Former Sun, Nuggets Vice President of Player Personnel, who still lives in the Valley. He is best friends with Nash and Nash said he would not have considered signing if it wasn't for Rex. Best choice IMO.

The front office is falling apart!!

Uhh, I am confused, tweeps help me!

via assets.espn.go.com

"I think about Free Agency Everyday. Should I Stay in Phoenix or should I leave? This the question of the Summer. What do you guys think?"

- Amare Stoudemire via Twitter

 

 

 

It seems that the future of the Suns is very bright. The Suns have promising prospects such as Goran Dragic, Robin Lopez and Earl Clark. However, it's not the future yet. It is the summer of LeBron, Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh and Amare Stoudemire. The Suns can go out there fierce, trying to make the team better right now, or they can get more young prospects so we have an ever brighter future. This, gives the Suns an option, contend, or rebuild.

The Barbosa Situation

Leandro Barbosa is getting paid $7 million a year, to be a 9th man on the Suns. When Barbosa signed his 5 year, $34 million contract he was only in his third season and was coming off a 13.1 ppg season, so his contract seemed reasonable. The next year he won 6th Man of the Year award and averaged 18.1 ppg, the contract now looked even better. In the 2009-10 season, Barbosa suffered a wrist injury and a sprained left ankle and missed 38 games. With such a deep roster, and younger players such as Dudley and Dragic, there are not many minutes for him in the rotation, and shouldn't be paid $7 million a year to be a 9th man. Barbosa might will be traded. Where to? Here are some suggestions

Barbosa to Minnesota for the #16 Pick, and Kevin Love

Why Phoenix does this? If Amare leaves we would need a PF, Love has a lot of skills, he can dribble well, shoot, defend, and rebound. We also have to first round draft picks, so the #16th pick would be nice.

Why Minnesota does this? Minnesota found out that Jefferson/Love doesn't work, and are shopping both Love and Jefferson. Plus, Minnesota is a low scoring team, and Barbosa will help stop that scoring drought.

Barbosa to OKC for #21 Pick and Cash Considerations

Why Phoenix does this? Gives the Suns cap space, cash and a first round draft which we do not have.

Why OKC does this? OKC could also use another scorer, I see OKC's current starting SG Thabo Sefolosha taking on a role like Jared Dudley, making Barbosa the starting SG in OKC.

Barbosa to New York in a sign and trade for David Lee

Why Phoenix does this? Just in case Amare leaves, then we would need a PF. David Lee is a free agent this year and said he won't wait for NYK to make their offer. David Lee is only in his 4th year and is already an allstar.

Why New York does this? Mike D'Antoni loves Barbosa, plus New York runs a system similar to the Suns, he would fit in great with NY.

Barbosa + Filler to Houston for the #11 Pick and Shane Battier

Why Phoenix does this? As stated above, we would like to have a first round draft pick, and it would be even better if we get a lottery pick. Getting Shane Battier also improves our defense, which is welcome.

Why Houston does this? The Suns almost pulled the trigger on a Tracy McGrady and Carl Landry to Phoenix for Amare and Barbosa trade last offseason. This trade was offered by Houston, so they must have some interest in Barbosa. Barbosa would be a great 6th man for Houston, plus if we add a 2nd rounder or a filler, it makes the deal even sweeter.

The Lou/Frye/Clark situation

Most likely Lou will be gone next season so Earl Clark can be fit into the rotation, and, even more likely, Channing Frye will not pick up his player option, thinking he is worth more. This poses the question, Lou or Channing? Who is more valuable to the team? We are looking at a rotation of this right now (if Barbosa leaves)

C - Robin Lopez, Channing Frye, Jarron Collins, Dwayne Jones

PF - Amare Stoudemire, Lou Amundson

SF - Grant Hill, Jared Dudley, Earl Clark

SG - Jason Richardson, 

PG - Steve Nash, Goran Dragic

Let's see how it looks with a few adjustments

C - Robin Lopez(29min), Channing Frye(25min), Jarron Collins, Dwayne Jones

PF - Amare Stoudemire(33min), Lou Amundson(14min)

SF - Grant Hill(26min), Jared Dudley, Earl Clark(18min)

SG - Jason Richardson(31min), Jared Dudley(16min)

PG - Steve Nash(30min), Goran Dragic(18min)

Does this mean that if Dudley switches to the SG position, then Clark can be in the Rotation? Yes. With these projected minutes it allocates up to 240 minutes, which is all you can allocate. That seems like a pretty reasonable rotation to me.

The Hill situation

Whether or not we'd like to admit it Grant Hill (38) is ancient in basketball years. Hill will retire soon and I don't think Clark is ready to be a starter in 2011-2012. Should we sign a slasher SF or trade for one? I think so. If Frye leaves we should start taking a look at

Travis Outlaw

Josh Howard

Tracy McGrady (Aaron Nelson is a god)

Raja Bell

Mike Miller

Rudy Gay (If Amare doesn't come back)

The Amare situation

Here we go. Amare doesn't know what to do with his future, so he turns to twitter for help. Sign and trade with Amare? Sure Amare would go for that, since he would be getting more money and years on his contract since we are his current contract holder. Now let's take a look at who will want Amare.

Miami

We heard this one before, QRich and Beasley for Amare, or Jermaine O'Neal, and Udonis Haslem for Amare. No, I hate all of these, and with Pat Riley saying he prefers Bosh over Amare and is still deciding between Boozer or Amare, it seems less likely for him to go to Miami. Yes, he was born in Florida. Yes, he lives in Miami, but it's Pat Riley's decision, not only his.

New Jersey 

Probably the most likely destination at this point. New Jersey has a lot of young pieces that we could use. 

Courtney Lee, Yi Jianlian and Bobby Simmons for Amare? This sounds better than Miami's offers. Devin Harris and Courtney Lee for Amare? I would do this, and then trade Devin Harris for a PF or SF. I think if we are looking for a Sign and Trade, New Jersey, err, I mean Brooklyn is our best bet.

We can make improvements but the best improvement would be for our young guys to develop and maintain the good chemistry. Amare, if your saying is really "I wanna win a championship" then you will realize Phoenix is one of your best bet.

via assets.sbnation.com

Suns Center Robin Lopez, who hasn't played a NBA game in seven weeks said his conditioning and right-leg strength, an issue because of a bulging disk pinching nerve, have improved and he feels his instincts returning. Lopez also welcomed the Lakers size saying "I'm going to have to crash the boards and deter easy layups."

This is great news! It gives us our height back which we need if we are to defeat the Lakers.

Lopez Return

I was lurking Golden State of Mind today and came across a thread that said "Warriors New Logo Leaked". I clicked on it and it had links to Sports websites and forums showing the supposed new Warriors logo, one of the sites showed all the "new" logos for some teams next year. They had new logos for the Cavs, Warriors, Magic, Clippers, Jazz, Kings, Bobcats, and yes, the Suns. The new rumored logo is our alternate logo that is at mid-court in US Airways. I will add a link so you can take a look for yourself.

Rumored Logos for 2010-2011 Season