OT: Is Grant Hill Available?

[hiphop1]

I wonder if he is available and for what or if he could get bought out. He would be a solid, solid pickup.

[hiphop1]

The only reason I brought this up is because it looks like they are blowing things up in Phoenix and I figured he wouldnt want to be around for that. He still has not won a ring either.

[contract]

Grant Hill Talks About Possible Trade To Magic
posted by Bschmitz on Dec 18, 2008 11:08:01 AM

Phoenix Suns shooting guard Grant Hill said he'd retire before the Suns trade him to Orlando --- or anywhere else. "If I get traded, I quit," Hill told the Arizona Republic on Wednesday.

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/sports ... -talk.html

Of course that was back in December before that team completely melted down.

[hiphop1]

DAMN thanks for the info man.

[GreenDreamer]

He might be willing to change his mind to come here. Phoenix has turned into a circus, and we have a great bunch of guys here. He'd fit in very well. He'd have to seriously consider it if the opportunity arose.

[sully00]

Never say never but my guess would be if they truly end up setting the charges in PHX then they would just buy him out and let him do his thing.

I thought the Porter thing was more about him wanting out because he didn't want the self destruction on his record, kind of killing his chances of getting another gig. But at least initially Suns fans seem to think it might be the alternative to blowing things up and maybe PHX waits till the offseason.

[campybatman]

After reading this article, I wonder what Hill's feeling were toward coming to Boston. I mean Massachusetts is closer to Florida than Arizona. Not to mention, he'd played for Rivers while with Orlando. I don't know how good or bad their relationship was there. But, he believed Phoenix was a more ideal choice. I don't believe the option to start was a deal breaker. And money wasn't a determining factor. Both, Tony and House have a higher salary than him.

Personally, I wouldn't mind having Hill on this team. Because he was a pleasant surprise for the Suns last season. However, his statistics this season pale by comparison. I don't know who Phoenix would've an interest in among Boston's young players. But, I would at least inquire about him from Phoenix since I think Ainge had an interest in him back at the time. Still, if Hill wants to remain in Phoenix or retire at season's end. Than this discussion is moot.

The deal will not become official until the league’s salary cap is officially set on Wednesday. Hill, who turns 35 on Oct. 5, will earn Phoenix’s biannual exception for this season ($1.83 million) and a player option for 2008-09 (the salary would increase to almost $2 million).

Hill’s agent, Lon Babby, said as many as 15 teams called to inquire about Hill’s services and many were willing to offer more money.

It was also difficult for Hill to leave Orlando, where he will continue to live with his wife, R&B singer Tamia. Hill and his wife are expecting their second child soon. The Magic made a big move Tuesday by signing free agent Rashard Lewis.

But Babby said Hill, who has never been past the first round of the playoffs, stuck with his first priority: To play for a winner. “Grant wants to win a championship,” Babby said. “In the end, he felt Phoenix gives him the best chance.”

Hill also wanted to play where he could make a significant impact on the fortunes of the team, and Phoenix might offer more opportunity than suitors like Dallas, Detroit, Miami and San Antonio. The Suns could start him at small forward, joining center Amaré Stoudemire and power forward Shawn Marion up front with the backcourt of Steve Nash and Raja Bell. Add in Leandro Barbosa, Boris Diaw (the other starter possibility) and Kurt Thomas, and Phoenix’s eight-man rotation would be their strongest in the (coach Mike) D’Antoni era.

Hill also gives the Suns another “point forward” playmaking option (along with Diaw) and an opportunity to rest Nash more during the regular season. Phoenix sees him as an offensive upgrade over James Jones, who would have made more money ($2.9 million this season).

Babby said Hill spoke with Nash over the past few days and sources said Nash was the one who placed the call. Hill’s relationship with Suns assistant coach Alvin Gentry, who was Hill’s coach for five seasons in Detroit, was also a plus.

http://www.nba.com/suns/news/tribune_hill_070711.html