East Coast Bias - July 6, 2007

Today's Headlines

- Grant Hill to Suns, Good or Bad?

- All Star Game Voting/ Fans Picks for 32nd All-Star

- Sonics hiring P.J. Carlesimo

Weekly Segment

Prognostications, Predictions, and Picks

- Wimbledon predictions

- N.L. Central picks


On the July 6, 2007 episode of East Coast Bias we discuss the Phoenix Suns signing of Grant Hill, and whether it was good or bad. Next we talk about the MLB All-Star Game and fan voting, plus the fans' picks of Chris Young and Hideki Okajima for the final All-Star spots. We then discuss the hiring of P.J. Carlesimo by the Sonics and end the show with our Prognostications, Predictions, and Picks of Wimbledon and the N.L Central Division winner.

The Future Of Kevin Garnett

In case you missed it last night, here's the latest report about the Kevin Garnett situation. The Phoenix Suns seem to be the most likely destination even though the Timberwolves are exploring multiple trade options. Right now the Timberwolves are favoring a 3 way trade between themselves, the Suns, and the Hawks. In the trade the Hawks' would send the No. 3 and No. 11 picks to the Wolves, with Amare Stoudemire going to Atlanta, and of course Garnett joining Nash and Marion in Phoenix. The Suns however are favoring a scenario where they would move Shawn Marion to the Celtics. However, sources say that such a deal is unlikely because Marion doesn't want to play in Boston without receiving a huge contract extension and Minnesota still wants Al Jefferson in that deal.

Timberwolves and Garnett Parting Ways?

According to ESPN contributor Marc Stein a Kevin Garnett trade is even more likely than a Kobe Bryant trade. After the Minnesota Timberwolves failed for the third straight season to make the playoffs and with no cap space to bring highly coveted free agents to put around KG, it's likely he is on his way out of Minnesota. Unlike Kobe Bryant's contract Garnett does not have a no trade clause and he is only one year away from the final year of his contract. If Timberwolves GM Kevin McHale (one of the WORST GM's of all time) fails to trade Garnett he would be looking at a scenario where Garnett leaves the Timberwolves and they receive no compensation. The current players surrounding Kevin Garnett include overpaid losers like Mark Blount who had one decent season with the Boston Celtics and McHale throws money at him like a lonely guy at a strip club. Then there is perennial ball hog Ricky Davis, whose effort level goes up and down like an Internet stock. The only way McHale can save this franchise is by getting picks and young talent for Garnett. As of yesterday it was reported that Celtics director of basketball operations Danny Ainge had talked with the Timberwolves about a potential trade involving Garnett. If that were the case the Celtics would probably have to part ways with Al Jefferson, Delonte West, and their 5th pick in this year's draft. A possible Paul Pierce and Kevin Gartnett duo would always be a contender in a weak Eastern Conference but since Garnett is a free agent next year his trade value has severely diminished. No intelligent GM is going to pay a premium for a player he may lose for nothing in a year but with the Ainge's and Thomas' of the world running today's NBA teams anything can happen. There are also rumblings in Phoenix that Shawn Marion could wear a Timberwolves jersey and Garnett would be paired with all star guard Steve Nash but that scenario is unlikely due to Garnett's $21 million contract. The Phoenix Suns would have to part with Marcus Banks (whose 5 year contract is something McHale doesn't want to take on) and Shawn Marion (who might not be thrilled in going to a perennial loser) in order to make it work financially. If you are McHale you have to pull the trigger on any deal where you get some value back and it better be sooner rather than later.