Phoenix Suns Fanster is reporting a rumor that was discussed by Gambo and Ash of Sports ratio 620 KTAR. According to the rumor, Phoenix would give up Amare Stoudamire, Leandro Barbosa and the 14th overall pick in the NBA Draft to Boston in exchange for guards Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo. According to Mark Asher, this is more than just a rumor and one of the teams would agree to the deal right now. He didn’t say which one.
I don't like the thought of breaking up our starting 5. Ray Allen still has a lot of basketball in him. Rajon Rondo is on the verge of becoming a top 5 point guard in the NBA. If it wasn't for KG's injury, the Celtics would almost certainly be back in the Finals. Is it wise to break up a starting 5 that is one year removed from a championship and very capable of winning another?
But there are things that may influence Danny to make a move. Rondo is up for an extension and who knows what kind of money he is going to ask. I don't see Danny giving him up over money, but you never know. On the other hand, do the Celtics maybe think Marbury is capable of being their starting PG?
Another reason I don't really like the trade is that Ray Allen has been the definition of class his entire career. He had a very good season and played very well in the first round vs the Bulls including a 51 point explosion. But, he struggled against he Magic. Doc revealed after the series was over that he had a pulled hamstring which would have explained his shooting woes. I think Ray deserves another shot at winning the championship as part of the Celtics.
But, you never know with Danny. Amare is a very good young player who could play both the 4 and 5. Barbosa is an exciting young player also. Danny may have his eye on someone with that 14th pick. Danny has proved that no one is safe when it comes to "Let's make a deal."
There is also a rumor that would send Stoudamire to Washington in exchange for Antawn Jamison, Mike James (who has an expiring contract), and the 5th overall pick in the Draft. Ray's contract is also expiring. Could the Suns be shopping for expiring contracts so they can get in on the 2010 free agent extravaganza? If so, it could be the Suns initiating these trade talks with an eye toward cap room in the summer of 2010. This makes more sense than Danny shopping Ray and Rondo.
With rumors, you never know what is true and what is just smoke. Who would have thought that KG would end up a Celtic after all that went on leading up to that trade? As we remember that trade, who knows what this offseason will hold? The rumors have started and remember that where there is smoke, sometimes there is fire.
