Suns' Shawn Marion says he wants to be traded

September 26, 2007

PHOENIX (AP) -- Phoenix Suns forward Shawn Marion, the team's highest-paid player and a four-time All-Star, says he wants to be traded after eight years with the club.

Marion said he decided to ask to leave because the team considered trading him over the summer and won't talk about a contract extension.

Marion told The Arizona Republic late Tuesday that he had informed the team of his desires and has struggled with the decision

"I'm tired of hearing my name in trades," Marion said by phone from his Chicago home. "I love my fans in Phoenix, but I think it's time for me to move on."

Marion has two years left on his contract, which will net him $16.4 million for this season and $17.8 million in 2008-2009.

Suns general manager Steve Kerr declined to comment.

Marion said the Suns' decision not to enter contract-extension talks is only part of the reason he wants to leave. He also said the team's consideration of a three-way trade that would have sent him to the Boston Celtics in a deal landing the Minnesota Timberwolves' Kevin Garnett in Phoenix was a factor. Garnett has since been traded to the Celtics.

"I feel they tried to force my hand to Boston with the Garnett stuff," the 29-year-old said.

"I haven't done anything wrong. I leave it on the floor night in and night out," Marion said. "Sometimes it's just time to move on."

Marion said he would report as required for training camp Monday if he is still with the team. Besides Boris Diaw, who is expected to report Wednesday, the rest of the team is already in Phoenix for voluntary workouts.

"I'll do what I've got to do," he said. "I'm a professional. I'm not bitter. I love the fans, but I've got to take care of me."

 

He will be missed. But if he wants to leave, then he should leave. If his heart is not in Phoenix, let him go. Plus, business is business. He needs to take care of #1. Himself.

 

they best trade him now while they can get something in return other than loosing him to free agency

 

He aint that good anyways. Get rid of him.

 

bring in odom!

 

____ gimme his contract and ill go play... lol and they can talk all the ____ they want about me and trades...

 

They have been talking about this since the trade deadline last year. Looks like might actually free up some room to get some more young talent in!

 

this is ridiculous... he's a super idiot if he wants to leave Phoenix because of this crap... he's already the highest paid Sun making 17 million/year... he needs to stop being a baby... he won't be nearly as good without Steve Nash... if he goes to the Lakers, he'll be a nobody... DON'T DO IT, STOP BEING A BABY YOU MAKE 17 MILLION A YEAR!

 

LMAO at he isnt any good anyway..

You have got to be kidding me. He is ONE of the key players in this team. Im not saying he is the team, but it takes a group of guys to make a great team. You have to look at it two ways, The suns know he is going to be a free agent and they are trying to get what they can. He knows he is worth a good amount of money so why not get what you want.
Look at it this way. If your job kept talking about firing you. After so long, wouldnt you just want to go work somewhere else?

 

Dont get me wrong he can make a highlight reel any night. But he doesnt really take a load of any of his teammates. No plays are called for him and he isnt their 1st, 2nd, or even 3rd option.

 

I agree. He is a great athelete but a big part of his success is the team around him and the style of play of the Suns. He would not do well in a half court offense with no PG. There are players that would do anything to play with a player like Nash or Kidd. Ask any of the guys on the USA team this summer how much Kidd makes their life easier, and Nash does the same for the Suns. If he wants to leave that is his call but I think I would hurt his career, especially if her went to LA. He would be missed on the boards and on the fast break.

I am a huge Lakers fan but Marion is not what they need either. They need a good quality PG and some big men. A scoring forward a not a priority. It is a bad idea all around.

 

i'm sorry, but as much as i like for the Suns to keep Marion, i don't think he's worth another 20 Mil a year for the next three years...yes, he was good before Nash got here, but for a guy who can't make his own shot, not worth it....

yes, he's valuable as a part of the core group of Suns, but keeping him now will just ruin their chemistry...trade for anyone, just not that cry baby kirilenko


JC