Sky is falling...

So, last night was a disaster by the Suns. Phoenix have so many problems, I don't even know where to start. If things stay as is, I think we're looking at a 7th-8th seed at best and a 1-4 early playoff exit again (and those are best case scenarios imho). Here's a little comic courtesy of BDL and Garbage Time Allstars. Click the image for the zoom at BDL.



The good thing though is this is the NBA, so things don't have to stay as is. A trade can really shake things up for an organization and I think the Suns definitely need a shakeup. December 15th is coming up soon and that's the date when free agent contracts signed during the past off-season can officially be traded.

I think any and all Suns trades should begin and end with Amare Stoudemire. Amare is by far the Sun's biggest asset and actually has a lot of value in the league and can get us some assets that would better mesh with the new Porter half-court system. IMHO, our priorities should be a borderline allstar (fair considering Amare is a perennial allstar) to appoximate Amare's production and a backup PG (because Dragic and Singletary sucks). That borderline allstar can be at the 2, 3, or 4 spots. Doesn't really matter. Diaw can start if necessary if the returning player ain't a big.

With that in mind, here's some of my pipe dreams... mostly realistic and all within salary cap rules. Feel free to consider additional draft picks on either sides to make it more even if necessary.

1) W/ Portland

Amare, Tucker for Aldridge, Lafrentz, Rodriguez.

2) W/ Milwaukee

Amare, Tucker for Jefferson, Villanueva, Sessions

3) W/ New Jersey

Amare, Tucker for Carter, Lopez, and Dooling

4) W/ Washington

Amare, Tucker, Amundson for Jamison, Daniels, McGee, and Young.

5) W/ Philadelphia

Amare for Brand, Williams

A noticeable trading partner being omitted are the Chicago Bulls. IMHO, Hinirch would be an ideal backup for Nash and can even play some starter minutes alongside Nash at the SG spot. However, Hinrich is currently injured and won't be able to be traded until almost the trade deadline (if he comes back in time)... if we're waiting THAT long, the season is toast and we might as well wait till summer for easier trade opportunities.