Just like the Valley heat, Shawn Marion trade rumors again are prevalent before the official start of summer.
One scenario has the Boston Celtics acquiring Marion in a trade that would give the Suns the fifth overall pick in the June 28 NBA draft, center-forward Theo Ratliff (whose contract expires after next season and would provide $11.7 million in salary cap space) and guard Delonte West.
A league source confirmed Celtics coach Doc Rivers' interest in Marion, and Danny Ainge, the Celtics' executive director of basketball operations, has been a fan of the forward since being his first Suns coach.
The Suns' interest in such a deal is unknown. Coach Mike D'Antoni has said the Suns would not execute any move that did not make them a better team, and it is unlikely that a rookie, Ratliff and West would offset the loss of Marion. However, the Suns could pursue an affordable free agent such as Orlando Magic swingman Grant Hill to make up for that sort of dynamic in a Marion deal.
A trade is being considered because Marion, 29, will make $34.25 million over the next two seasons.
Hill had a relatively healthy 2005-06 season and averaged 14.4 points on 52 percent shooting. He could retire (he already works as an ABC playoff analyst) but might want a shot at a title if his role were substantial.
Hill just finished a seven-year, $92 million deal, so money might not be a big factor for Hill, who has never won a playoff series.
Marion's name also has surfaced in trade rumors with the Detroit Pistons, who would send forward-center Rasheed Wallace to Phoenix.
This idea would be conflicting for Phoenix. Wallace's skills are a good fit, but his on-court behavior contrasts with the club's emphasis on character.
