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If I Was Shawn Marion, Where Would I Go?

By (Correspondent) on July 7, 2009

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BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 17:  Ashley Noffke of the Bulls in action during day three of the Pura Cup match between the Queensland Bulls and the Western Warriors played at the Gabba February 17, 2004 in Brisbane, Australia.  (Photo by Jonathan Wood/Ge

So the picture has nothing to do with Marion, but it was the only one that came up when "Matrix" was searched.

The basic requirements for Marion, outside of a sign and trade, are going to a team that either made the playoffs, dramatically improved, or was within five games of the playoffs. That's acutally 21 teams!

Teams out of the equation: Toronto, New York, Golden State, Minnesota, Memphis, Oklahoma City, the Los Angeles Clippers, and Sacramento.

Cleveland Cavaliers

CLEVELAND - MAY 16:  Mike Brown, head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers calls a play while playing the New Jersey Nets in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2007 NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena on May 16, 2007 in Cleveland, Ohio.

Marion would be an obvious fit and a spot starter here.

He could start at the three when LaBron plays the four and really help stretch the floor when Shaq has a mismatch down low. Marion runs, gets easy points, and plays great defense.

Plus, the Cavs could still offer the full midlevel exception

Boston Celtics

BOSTON - MAY 12:  Head coach Doc Rivers of the Boston Celtics celebrates the win over the Orlando Magic in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at TD Banknorth Garden May 12, 2009 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtic

Marion would fit here based soley on his defense. He's not a creator, but plays great "D" and rebounds.

However, The Celtics only have their biennial exception left, and I doubt Marions signs for two years and $4.5 million.

He's not Grant Hill, after all.

Orlando Magic

ORLANDO, FL - JUNE 14:  Head coach Stan Van Gundy of the Orlando Magic talks to the media after the Magic lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Five of the 2009 NBA Finals on June 14, 2009 at Amway Arena in Orlando, Florida.  The Lakers won 99-86.  NOTE

Marion would provide some of what Courtney Lee provided, which is another three-point shooter.

Marion would play the three when Rashard Lewis is on the floor, and the four when he's on the bench. Also, Marion could take the toughest defensive assignment (that's not a one or five), leaving Vince Carter and Lewis a little fresher.

The biggest negative would be that Marion would get some of those rebounds that Dwight Howard normally gets.

Orlando has the full mid-level exception to offer.

Atlanta Hawks

ATLANTA - MAY 09:  Head coach Mike Woodson of the Atlanta Hawks yells to his team against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena on May 9, 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia.  NOTE TO

One of the few teams Marion wouldn't fit on at all.

They already have two of him—they just call them Marvin Williams and Josh Smith.

This one's not going to happen.

Miami Heat

ATLANTA - MAY 03:  Head coach Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat watches his team late in the game against the Atlanta Hawks during Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals at Philips Arena on May 3, 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Hawks defeated th

Marion is familiar with the Heat, and they are familiar with him.

He runs with Wade very well, and he does a good job of hitting the threes. He fits.

Except, the Heat have youngster Dorell Wright, and will more than likely bring back Jamario Moon.

Miami does have the mid-level exception to offer, but Rasho Nesterovic would be a much better use of it.

Philadelphia 76ers

WASHINGTON - APRIL 24: Head coach Eddie Jordan of the Washington Wizards yells to his players during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2008 NBA Playoffs at the Verizon Center on April

Marion fitting with the 76ers is an almost absolute no.

Except, you realize that they just traded for a well paid three-point specialist that does nothing else. Marion could do the same thing, but also play defense and run the floor.

Problem? Elton Brand hasn't functioned well on a running team, so either he would have to change, or the team would.

Marion needs to go to a team that runs.

Chicago Bulls

CHICAGO - APRIL 30: Head coach Vinny Del Negro of the Chicago Bulls watches as his team takes on the Boston Celtics in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at the United Center on April 30, 2009 in Chicago, Illinoi

This is one of the best fits so far.

He'd sit outside, let Rose drive, take the open threes, go crash the boards, and play "D."

The Bulls like to run, and have their full mid-level exception left. It could work.

Detriot Pistons

26 Jul 1994: DREAM TEAM TWO GUARD JOE DUMARS DURING THEIR 114-84 VICTORY OVER GERMANY AT CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA.

Detroit hasn't run recently, and Joe Dumars (pictured) already spent all his money.

All that he could do is offer the minimum. Odds: 0.

Indiana Pacers

LOS ANGELES - 1987:  Magic Johnson #32 of the Los Angeles Lakers rebounds over Larry Bird #33 of the Boston Celtics during an NBA Finals game at the Great Western Forum in Los Angeles, California in 1987. (Photo by: Mike Powell/Getty Images)

Larry is doing a youth movement in Indiana.

The only way he takes the Matrix is if it's in a sign and trade and Jamaal Tinsley leaves.

The only way.

Charlotte Bobcats

CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 31:  Head coach Larry Brown of the Charlotte Bobcats yells to his team during their game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Time Warner Cable Arena on March 31, 2009 in Charlotte, North Carolina.  NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowle

Marion could actually end up here.

He'd work great as Wallace's backup, and also as Diaw's backup. He'd play 30 minutes or more off the bench and allow the Cats to go big, as he can defend most shooting guards.

The Bobcats still have the mid-level exception, but would either side spend the money?

New Jersey Nets

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - JANUARY 15:  Head coach Lawrence Frank of the New Jersey Nets shouts instructions to his team during their game against the Portland Trail Blazers during their game at the Izod Center January 15, 2009 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Could Marion end up in NJ?

Nope.

It's the same reason as Indiana: This is a youth movement aimed at having cap space in 2010.

Marion just doesn't fit.

Milwaukee Bucks

MILWAUKEE - FEBRUARY 18: Head coach Scott Skiles of the Milwaukee Bucks argues a call during the game against the Chicago Bulls on February 18, 2009 at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Bulls defeated the Bucks 113-104. NOTE TO USER: User ex

He could fit here, except the Bucks already have 99 wings on their roster.

Luc Mbah a Moute and Joe Alexander are part of the young pair that were drafted just over a year ago.

Plus, the Bucks are looking to shed salary, not add it.

Washington Wizards

BOSTON - MAY 28:  Head coach Flip Saunders of the Detroit Pistons shouts from the sidelines while playing against the Boston Celtics during Game Five of the Eastern Conference finals during the 2008 NBA Playoffs at TD Banknorth Garden on May 28, 2008 in B

Marion kind of fits.

He doesn't need the ball, and plays good defense.

Washington needs to find another five after trading with Minnesota, but Marion could actually fit.

Plus, there is the full mid-level exception available.

Los Angeles Lakers

ORLANDO, FL - JUNE 14:  Head coach Phil Jackson of the Los Angeles Lakers answers questions during the post game news conference after the Lakers defeated the Orlando Magic 99-86 to win the NBA Championship in Game Five of the 2009 NBA Finals on June 14,

Nope.

No mid-level exception, and the Lakers already got Ron Artest and will either break the bank signing Lamar Odom or let Luke Walton play instead.

Denver Nuggets

DENVER - MAY 23:  Head coach George Karl of the Denver Nuggets looks on from the bench in Game Three of the Western Conference Finals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers at Pepsi Center on May 23, 2009 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO

He could be a Kleiza replacement, and I'd love to see him play with Billups.

But the Nuggets would have to pay the tax, and I don't see that happening.

San Antonio Spurs

DALLAS - APRIL 23:  Head coach Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs during play against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Three of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center on April 23, 2009 in San Antonio

Another unlikely scenario, although they do have their mid-level exception.

Marion would have to play a lot of the four, and with Tony Parker running the break, the Spurs would be really dangerous.

Houston Rockets

LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 06:  Head coach Rick Adelman of the Houston Rockets looks down in the second half against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Two of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on May 6, 2009 in Los An

Not really needed, as the Rockets just used their mid-level exception on Trevor Ariza.

Portland Trail Blazers

HOUSTON - APRIL 24:  Head coach Nate McMillan of the Portland Trail Blazers yells at his team during play against the Houston Rockets in Game Three of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center on April 24, 2009 in

He could go to the Blazers, except that wouldn't make sense.

They've got Outlaw, who is just like Marion except he's 22. Portland will take a pass here.

Dallas Mavericks

DENVER - MAY 05:  Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks observes the national anthem prior to facing the Denver Nuggets in Game Two of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at Pepsi Center on May 5, 2009 in Denver, Colorado. T

The mid-level exception is used on Gortat.

Although their is a decent chance of a sign and trade, Marion won't be signing in Dallas outright.

New Orleans Hornets

DENVER - APRIL 29:  Chris Paul #3 of the New Orleans Hornets looks on during a break in the action against the Denver Nuggets in Game Five of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at Pepsi Center on April 29, 2009 in Denver, Co

Marion would definitely fit as the James Posey type.

New Orleans would have a pocket full if he signed. He could play the four or three, depending on Peja Stojakovic's health.

It could work—Paul finds Marion in the corner...bang!

Utah Jazz

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 27:  Head coach Jerry Sloan of the Utah Jazz reacts in the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Five of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 27, 2009 in Los Angel

He doesn't really fit.

If Milsap goes, he could end up here, but I just don't see it. Utah has too much money tied up this year.

Phoenix Suns

DENVER - FEBRUARY 18:  NBA athlete Steve Kerr arrives at the Air Jordan XX Launch Party at Rise Nightclub on February 18, 2005 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

I don't think Kerr would renig on this. Do you?

Again, the Suns are trying to cut salary and build a young team

So, where would I go?

CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 16:  Shawn Marion #31 of the Toronto Raptors pauses during action against the Charlotte Bobcats during their game at Time Warner Cable Arena on March 16, 2009 in Charlotte, North Carolina.  NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges a

I'd take the mid-level exception from the Cavs, Magic, Bulls, Spurs, or Hornets, in that order.

If Marion can't sign with one of those five teams, I'd take the bi-annual exception for one year from the Lakers or Heat, and then try again next year.

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