According to KTAR’s John Gambadoro the Phoenix Suns and forward Shawn Marion may be on the road to a reunion. Gambadoro stated that if Marion’s rights are renounced by the Raptors and the Suns can trim a little more cash from their cap they’d be willing to offer Shawn a contract around $5 million a year. He also reported that the Cavaliers may have interest in the Matrix.
Whether Marion would be willing to rejoin the Suns is unclear. One thing that would almost certainly happen with the resigning of Marion would be a parting of ways with Grant Hill. Hill has interest from both the Celtics and the Knicks and it isn’t a far stretch to imagine the two deciding a change would be beneficial to both.
Does adding Marion while losing Hill make the team better though?
Last year Grant Hill played all 82 games for the Suns last season and averaged 12 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.1 steals per game. Marion, who split the season between Miami and Toronto, averaged 12.9 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game.
Not a huge difference to warrant reportedly paying Shawn Marion almost $3 million more than what Grant Hill may be willing to sign for. If the Suns are truly cash strapped that $3 million is the difference between adding another player and not. Marion’s style may fit the Suns recommitment to the run and fun offense but Hill proved in the second half of last season that he can also shine in Gentry’s system.
My vote is go with the cheeper Hill and add a piece like a Channing Frye. Two for the price of one is what the Suns need for their depleted front line, especially if Amare goes. Marion may be a fan favorite but even getting the “old band back together” won’t fix the Suns problem. It’s time to move forward with a clear cut vision and plan. Which may be easier said than done right now.
What’s your opinion?
