Amare Stoudemire Sweepstakes: Sacramento Kings Joining The Hunt?

Originally posted on Bright Side of the Sun http://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2010/2/10/1304634/the-sacramento-kings-are

The latest rumor according to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports has the Sacramento Kings discussing a trade with the Phoenix Suns for their All-Star forward Amare Stoudemire centered on a returning piece of Kevin Martin. The Sacramento Kings would be an interesting trade partner with the Suns and have the ability to offer young talent, draft picks, and ending contracts, all of which the Suns reportedly want back for Stoudemire.

The main piece in this trade involves Stoudemire and The Kings Kevin Martin. There are no other issues discussed regarding this trade but it would probably look something like this…

http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=yf48xo5

Phoenix Suns trade:

Amare Stoudemire

Sacramento Kings trade:

Kevin Martin-four years $9.7 million

Jason Thompson-two years $2 million

Hilton Armstrong-one year $2.8 million

Unprotected first round draft pick

Kevin Martin has All-Star potential but is consistently injured and because of this has missed many games over the past few seasons. He is a great shooter and could thrive in a situation where a good point guard created open shots for him. However he is not a great defender or rebounder and is still owed a considerable amount of money over the next four years. (Kind of like an Amare at the sg position, can put up points but don't expect much else on a consistent basis.) The Suns would really be biting the bullet taking on Martin and would not help their lack of defensive toughness. His contract and injury history is enough to scare most away.

Jason Thompson is a young player that has shown potential to be a great power forward in this league. He can rebound, block shots, and is developing a good offensive game. Thompson would be the replacement for Amare Stoudemire in the Suns future power forward position.

Hilton Armstrong would be the filler throw in with an expiring $2.8 million dollar contract.

The other huge benefit to this deal would be the Kings unprotected draft pick in next year’s draft.

This trade could benefit both teams and might be possible if Amare would agree to sign with the Kings or was sent there via a sign and trade. A core of Amare and Tyreke Evans along with other young talent could entice the Kings to make this change. They are a struggling franchise and are desperate to turn things around to win and generate ticket sales.

The Phoenix Suns would have to take a huge chance on Kevin Martin with his outstanding injury history and lengthy contract. Jason Thompson could be the franchise's future power forward. They could save money with Armstrong's expiring deal and the unprotected draft pick might be enough to seal the deal.