Suns in Danger From Discontent and 2010 Free Agency

Cleveland shouldn't be the only one nervous about the summer of 2010.  Rumblings from the Suns core players could mean a drop from playoff-caliber to cellar-dweller in less than two years.

Here's a glance at the current outlook for each of the Suns' core players that could bolt by 2010:

Amare Stoudemire

When he's mentioned by ESPN as a "consolation prize" to Raptors' forward Chris Bosh in regards to the summer spree of 2010, you know something's up.  Whether that was the straw that broke Amare's back, we don't know.

What we do know is that he's not happy being option No. 2 (and sometimes No. 3) on offense to Shaquille O'Neal.

That's understandable.  He's the most offensively gifted forward in the game today.  This season he's made incredible strides in terms of decision-making with the ball.

Apparently, that hasn't taken precedence over getting mediocre output from an over-the-hill O'Neal.

Now Stoudemire's dissatisfaction has gone public, not to mention the other teams clearing cap space for 2010, when Stoudemire can opt out of his contract.  By then, Nash, Shaq, Grant Hill and Raja Bell will be two years older and further away from their most productive years. 

Would Stoudemire want to stick around for a possible rebuilding phase?  Only if a) he's made Numero Uno before then and b) Players in addition to Boris Diaw, Leandro Barbosa, Goran Dragic and Robin Lopez are in place to keep the Suns in contention.

Steve Nash

Yes he's a free agent in 2010.  No, he won't be MVP-caliber by that time.  Yes, it would be the ultimate blow to Phoenix if he left to wrap up his career with Mike D'Antoni in New York, especially if they succeed in wooing Lebron James and/or Chris Bosh to the Big Apple as well.

Can you imagine Nash running seven seconds or Less with Lebron and Bosh?  They'd be favored to win more than the Celtics were last season when Garnett and Ray Allen joined Paul Pierce in Boston. 

Nash would also reap the benefits of actually having a backup point guard (Nate Robinson) as well as allowing James to play the point when Nash has to rest. 

New York has been a summer hotbed for Nash, where he's been seen playing soccer, skateboarding and making his own movies. 

All of those things seem even more alluring in light of Nash's recent comments to the media about how hard the adjustment to Terry Porter's offense has been.  He's not happy with the flow of the game or the feel of the team.

Like to so many tourists, New York may seem like a quick fix to Nash's problems.

Raja Bell

By 2010, Bell will be 34 years old.  At that age, his defensive prowess will be greatly diminished.  His toughness, leadership and 3-point shooting may be enough to prolong his career for a few more seasons, but where?

It's doubtful it would be in Phoenix.  Assuming the Suns keep him, Barbosa would be groomed by then (if not before) to start at the 2-guard spot for the Suns.  It's possible they keep Bell around as a locker-room leader and spot-minute sub, but that all depends on whether Phoenix plans on completely re-hauling in 2010.

If they do, don't be surprised if Bell jumps ship to a contender for the minimum.

Shaquille O'Neal

He should end his playing days in 2010.  Period.  He does not want to end up a washed-up relic averaging 8 ppg and 4 rpg at the end of his career.