The Lakers are still seen as the favorite to land Ron Artest from the Sacramento Kings.
But the Sacramento Bee is reporting that the Miami Heat may have interest with Shawn Marion as the key player potentially coming to the Kings.
Kings co-owner Joe Maloof also isn't too happy with Artest, the Bee reports.
It seems that the future of Ronny Turiaf will play a major role in what the Lakers do. If L.A. lets Turiaf go to Golden State for four years and $17 million, the Lakers would be able to go after Artest, with Lamar Odom as the key piece going to Sacramento.
Artest will make $7.4 million next season and forward Kenny Thomas, who the Kings insist on including in any deal for Artest, makes $18 million over the next two seasons. Odom is due $14.5 million next season. Marion will make $17.1 million next season. Both players would be in the final years of their contracts.
The question is, which is better for the Kings? Both Odom and Marion can become free agents next summer and it seems unlikely either would want to sign on long-term in Sacramento. The Kings could get rid of Artest, clearly a headache and big distraction, and the hefty contract of Thomas, getting an expiring contract in return. Thus, the Kings would have excellent cap space for a run at LeBron, Wade and Bosh in the summer of 2010.
The best deal for the Kings is whichever team will budge and take Thomas in a trade.
Artest can also become a free agent next summer, but the Lakers would have a good shot at signing Artest, given his friendship with Kobe Bryant and desire to play for Phil Jackson.
-- MIKE ROSE
Comments (1)
Hey Ken. Big-time Knicks fan here in Sacto (originally from Patchogue - 25 years!)
Anyway, yeah, things are bad out here with Artest. his trade value has to be dropping like a rock. The guy is a HUGE nutcase even moreso than most people remember, and frankly, he'll only get worse in a market like LA or Miami.
Thank God Walsh has no interest in him for NY...
Great blog. I check this one right after I get my Fix from Hahn. :)