Morning Report: Marion On The Move?

By: Steve Kyler Last Updated: 12/1/08 10:24 AM ET | 9522 times read

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Marion On The Move: The Shawn Marion era for the Miami HEAT may be coming to a close. League sources confided that Miami was indeed looking at opportunities in the trade market and that Shawn Marion was an available chip that the HEAT seemed open to cashing. The belief according to league sources is that Marion is not long term for the HEAT, and given how he is playing the HEAT expect him to look for a better situation in the off-season. The HEAT still have not found a groove with Marion in the lineup, they are talking to teams according to multiple sources. Sources say the Chicago Bulls, the New York Knicks and the Sacramento Kings have all had some level of discussion with the HEAT. The Knicks were looking to move Eddy Curry as the center piece of a deal that would likely include one of New York's younger players – Miami was said to covet David Lee, while the Knicks seemed less than interested. The Bulls were looking to shed Larry Hughes as the centerpiece of a deal that apparently did not interest the HEAT at all. Sacramento is rumored to have been approached about the status of Brad Miller, but unless the Kings can rid themselves of some unwanted contracts in the deal they may not have much interest, although league sources said that the Kings would have interest in the cap space Marion could clear this summer. Marion's contract in the right deal could put the Kings roughly $13 million under the salary cap if structured in the Kings favor. League sources said they expected the number of teams talking with Miami to expand as word of Marion's availability spreads. Marion is in the final year of a deal that pays him roughly $17.4 million

Marbury Buyout Coming?: Stephon Marbury and the New York Knicks may finally bring an end to the on-going dispute between the team and the disgruntled guard. Both sides are expected to meet this morning and the goal according to both sides is to reach a contract buyout that would rid the Knicks of Marbury and allow Marbury to hit free agency. Sources close to the situation say there will be "conditions" to a buyout, starting with an agreement that Marbury cannot sign with an Eastern Conference team, and that he would have to drop his appeal of fines and suspensions levied by the Knicks both last year and just this week. It's believed that Knicks owner James Dolan has given his blessing to a buyout. Marbury has made it clear he'd be willing to surrender up to $1 million of the balance owed him. The Knicks were rumored to be looking for a deeper discount. League sources said the compromise might be the Knicks agreeing to a $2.5 million discount, in exchange for their terms. If Marbury holds the line a Knicks source said the team has no issue sending him home, but that there is a real and genuine interest in this thing coming to an end today. Knicks president Donnie Walsh is said to have been "empowered" to solve this situation however he sees fit. Marbury told reporters that if he does receive a buyout, he'd return to California for a couple of weeks to get himself back into playing shape before signing with a new team. If Marbury and the Knicks reach a deal, Marbury would be waived, meaning any teams with the cap space to absorb his deal – there aren't any – could claim him, after 48 hours he would become an unrestricted free agent.

The Hot Seat: The NBA has seen its first coaching firings and there are two more coaches that should be looking over their shoulders. The NBA is a results oriented business, and they say coaches are hired to ultimately be fired and given the starts the Toronto Raptors (8-8) and Philadelphia 76ers (7-10) are off to, both Maurice Cheeks and Sam Mitchell should be concerned.

Sam Mitchell (4-6 In the last 10 games): The Raptors may need a roster tweak to really get the most out of their team, and earlier knee issues with Jermaine O'Neal have not helped things. That said last week Raptors' GM Bryan Colangelo had a closed door meeting with Mitchell, and sources say Colangelo really was just testing the waters with his coach about what's not working. Mitchell and the Raptors have high expectations for the season; if the team continues to fall short do not be surprised if a change is made. There would be a long list of coaching candidates that would line up to coach Chris Bosh and work for Bryan Colangelo.

Maurice Cheeks (5-5 in the last 10 games): Mo Cheeks is not having a lot of fun these days. The 76ers dropped to Chicago last night and are now in dead last in the division 8 ½ games back from division leader Boston. No one expected the 76ers to win the division, but the expectation was for them to at least compete. The 76ers are still struggling to find a groove after becoming one of the best teams in the east last year just prior to the playoffs. A scout that has watched the 76ers a lot this year said that Cheeks is really struggling finding a groove for both Elton Brand and Andre Iguodala, two players the 76ers invested some $120 million into collectively ($62 million to Brand, $60 million to Iguodala). Cheeks is a fan favorite as a coach, but favorites aside its believed that if things do not improve a change at the helm may be the next big move Ed Stefanski has to make. The 76ers too would have no shortage of experienced coaches will to take over a team that on paper seems loaded for the future.

No Deal For Portland: Reports this weekend pegged the Portland Trail Blazers as a team in search of a trade with rumors that they were talking with the Memphis Grizzlies about acquiring Mike Conley, Jr. in exchange for Travis Outlaw. The Blazers very quickly shot down the notion that Travis was available to anyone, and was quick to say they were not actively looking at the trade market. The Grizzlies have also piled in saying they too were not close to anything with anyone. The Blazers were also linked to Mike Bibby with reports saying the Blazers made a pass at the Hawks during the summer. The Blazers' surplus of talent makes them an easy target for rumors. GM Kevin Pritchard has said several times this season he is unwilling to tinker with his young team that is currently tied with Denver for first place in the division at 12-6.

About the Author: STEVE KYLER

Steve Kyler is the Editor and Publisher of HOOPSWORLD. Steve is a life-long basketball fan that started covering the NBA from Orlando in 1998, but has been a huge follower of the game since the mid-80’s. Steve is also an on-air radio personality in Tampa for ESPN radio and appears on dozens of radio shows across the country each week. Steve is an active member of the Professional Basketball Writers Association and is passionately involved in the development of new writers and sports personalities. Steve does not have a favorite team per se, but does root for the underdog in almost every situation. You can reach Steve directly at skyler@hoopsworld.com


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posted By Bibby, 1 December 2008 8:59:47 AM Does anyone know who the Blazers were looking to trade for me? I'm guessing lafrentz was include for salary, but what were the other pieces? I doubt any of their starting lineup was included, Probably Sergio, Frye etc. posted By Eldad (Sarajevo), 1 December 2008 9:22:05 AM Actually, 60 mil + 62 mil is not anywhere close to 160 mil. posted By Jason Fleming, 1 December 2008 10:20:00 AM Bibby, I don't think Portland is interested in you... posted By Alexboii, 1 December 2008 10:27:51 AM Being a Philadelphia sports team fan, it is killing me to see the inconsistent play of the Sixers. I thought hiring Cheeks initially in 2005 was great. A guy with experience as player gave him much respect with the ball club, while at the same time he was able to let the players play with relaxed freedom. That's why when guys such as Lou Williams and Thaddeus Young were able to strive last year, as they were aloud to learn from their mistakes on the court and play through it. But with the addition of Elton Brand and role players such as Kareem Rush, Donyell Marshall, and Theo Ratliff, the team needed structure. They now have guys that can play particular positions and roles. Unfortunately, I don't think Cheeks is that kind of couch. He's a great development coach for young players, but not one that has a particular system to take a team to the promise land. Dare I say, try hiring a guy like Avery Johnson? This team is not one with a variety of scoring abilities, but with defensive talent so it could be a great fit. Dallas last year complained Johnson did not give them freedom on offensive, but maybe this kinda structure is just what the team needs. I say let Cheeks finish the regular season as I don't see them making the playoffs, then make the hire as Johnson is probably taking the year off coaching as an analyst for ESPN. posted By Bibby, 1 December 2008 10:41:43 AM Yeah I didn't think anyone would either, but I keep reading the link to the Blazers, such as stated here in this piece. But I can't figure what Portland would give up and what the ATL would actually want from Portland. I think Joel P would be a nice piece for the Hawks and maybe send a point guard like sergio as well. Either way I'm not a fan of the trade for either team. Portland gets a 3pt shooter and ATL gets nothing of any value. posted By zach, 1 December 2008 11:41:38 AM the 76ers problems is that they are starting two small forwards, andre is in no way a two guard. posted By CentrILMark, 1 December 2008 2:10:29 PM Marion seems to be unwelcome in Phoenix and now Miami. I checked out his profile on Miami Heat.com, and he doesn't look too inthralled in his "photospread." Then again, there's a lot of guys who don't like having their picture taken. He's only what 30 yrs old. As a Bulls fan, I don't really know if we have anybody who would interest Pat Riley/Miami anyway. Except D-Rose, and he can forget about that. He probably needs to go with another run and gun situation since he's not really a low block/post up guy. Maybe a reunion with D'Antoni and the Knicks, but I'm not sure I'd give up a young talent I've been developing like David Lee. posted By bibby, 1 December 2008 6:59:08 PM It was def lafrenze in the deal. It benefits ATL as they are a team always consious of spending and lafrezes contract is being paid by insurance since he is injured. ATL most likely wont resign Bibby after the season anyways and should be making room for Acie Law a nice young PG. A vet pg would be huge for portland if they want to make a run in the playoffs. posted By Smith, 2 December 2008 3:43:44 AM Marion, Conley, and Bibby...for Portland? Not so much....How about Ray Felton and Gerald Wallace? If we're going to stick with 3's to take time away from Batum, how about going after Caron Butler? How about dangling a nice combo of Sergio, Outlaw, and Frye for Calderon and Bargnani? How about going after Steve Nash or Amare Stoudemire? Hopefully the sarcasm is starting to come through ................. The truth is, Portland doesn't really NEED to trade anybody right now. There aren't any guys out on the market right now worth really looking into if it means giving up a lot of talent. Why mess with success? posted By Don Nelson, 2 December 2008 10:34:45 AM How am I NOT on a hot seat? posted By Hoopsvibe sux, so does J. Kelly, 2 December 2008 6:11:11 PM Cause your the the big D Nelson, you don't deserve no hot seat the hot seat deserves you

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