If I Was Shawn Marion, Where Would I Go?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Portland Trail Blazers

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

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

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

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

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?

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.