Whys, hows of trade talk surrounding Stoudemire
It seems to happen each February in the NBA: A name emerges to run through the great trade debate.
This time, it's Phoenix Suns power forward Amare Stoudemire - and he's sparked a great debate inside the Berto Center. The Bulls realize this could be a rare opportunity to acquire an all-NBA caliber player. But there are nagging questions about his attitude and pending free agency. Here's the lowdown:
Why are the Suns willing to trade Stoudemire?
That's a question the Bulls are asking. It appears a major reason is because Phoenix has a payroll that exceeds luxury-tax levels both this year and next. At the same time, the Suns wouldn't even make the playoffs if the season ended Saturday.
There have also been questions about Stoudemire's attitude, leadership and willingness to play defense. He had microfracture knee surgery in 2005, which some people believe could be a problem again in the near future.
Suns fans appear to be split on the issue. This is hardly scientific, but an online poll by the Arizona Republic is running 56-44 percent in favor of keeping Stoudemire.
Who would the Bulls offer for Stoudemire?
Their offer would be centered around Tyrus Thomas, along with the expiring contracts of Drew Gooden and Cedric Simmons. Whether the Bulls sweeten the deal by throwing in Thabo Sefolosha, Andres Nocioni, Joakim Noah or draft picks is negotiable.
Don't expect Luol Deng, Kirk Hinrich or Ben Gordon to be included in any trade. Derrick Rose is obviously off-limits. Gordon, working on a one-year deal, can't be traded without his permission and the Bulls are still nervous about moving Hinrich when Gordon's future is out of their hands.
Since Deng is in the first year of a larger contract, he could only be traded in a multiplayer deal, such as Deng, Hinrich, Thomas and Simmons for Stoudemire and Leandro Barbosa. Any takers out there?
What's the downside to getting Stoudemire?
He can opt out of his contract and become an unrestricted free agent in 2010, when at least a dozen NBA teams are planning to have maximum-level cap room.
If a team like the Bulls acquires Stoudemire, they would risk losing him for nothing in return. Or they might have to fork over a gargantuan contract to re-sign him, because of the competition.
The NBA's maximum salary this year is $17.6 million. If that figure stays the same (it might drop, because of declining NBA revenue), another team could offer Stoudemire a five-year deal worth $102.1 million in 2010, with a salary that grows to $23.2 million by the end of the contract.
So go ahead and say Bulls general manager John Paxson is afraid to pull the trigger on a blockbuster trade. Considering Thomas just had the best six-game stretch of his pro career (15.8 points, 9.8 rebounds, 2.0 blocks) and would cost a fraction of that price, this sort of decision isn't easy.
Is Stoudemire worth acquiring?
Last season, the 6-foot-10 forward was brilliant, averaging 25.2 points, 9.1 rebounds and 2.1 blocks while shooting 59 percent from the field. This year, his numbers have dipped to 20.9 points, 8.2 boards and 1.0 blocks with a 53.3 shooting percentage.
Stoudemire, 26, was voted a starter in this year's all-star game. He was first team All-NBA in 2007, second team in 2008 and 2005. He missed 78 games of the 2005-06 season because of the microfracture surgery.
What other teams are in pursuit?
Besides the Bulls, the main suitors are believed to be Miami, Detroit, New Jersey and possibly Portland. In theory, Miami could offer Shawn Marion's expiring contract and rookie Michael Beasley. That's sounds like a better offer than anything the Bulls could pull together - if the Heat is willing to do it.
Detroit might dangle Rasheed Wallace and younger players, such as Amir Johnson and Jason Maxiell. Portland has a variety of pieces available for trade and a huge expiring contract (Raef LaFrentz). It seems unlikely the Blazers would offer LaMarcus Aldridge, though.
Any New Jersey bid would likely be centered on Yi Jianlian, while the Nets' only sizable expiring contract is Stromile Swift ($6.2 million).