Grant Hill considered plenty of issues in deciding whether to re-sign with the Suns or accept offers from the Celtics or Knicks. Paramount among them is Hill's expectation that Steve Nash and Amare Stoudemire will be joining him.
"It's important for Grant that Steve be there next year," Hill's agent, Lon Babby, said on a conference call Friday. "I know they have had conversations, so I think he’s quite confident that the team that’s coming back next year is going to be a highly, highly competitive team. And obviously, that would include Steve Nash."
As for Stoudemire, who has been discussed as a possible trade chip in discussions with Golden State that emerged on draft day, Babby said, "That's certainly a concern. I wouldn't say (Hill) has been given any assurances, but I think the expectation is that (Stoudemire) will be there bext year. He has opt-out after next season, but I don’t think there’s any reason to believe he’s not going to be there next year."
Nash, scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent after next season, is in discussed with the Suns about an extension that would keep him in Phoenix.
Hill, 36, accepted a one-year deal with the Suns for $3 million with an option for a second year at $3.2 million, Babby said. The Knicks, who hosted Hill in New York earlier this week for a free-agent visit, offered a one-year deal at the full mid-level exception of $5.9 million. New York also offered a two-year deal with an option for the third, but it was not at the full mid-level for all three years. A longer deal with Phoenix also was discussed, but Hill preferred the 1-year deal with an option, Babby said.
Hill also met with Celtics coach Doc Rivers at least once, spoke numerous times with team president Danny Ainge, and also spoke with Ray Allen, who also is represented by Babby. Like the Knicks, Boston offered all it was able to under the rules, but the Celtics only had the bi-annual exception of about $2 million per year available.
"He thought long and hard about the alternatives," Babby said. "He did not come to this decision easily or lightly. Each of those three places had a lot to offer and very different things to offer. That’s what made it challenging."
Hill back with Suns; expects Nash, Stoudemire
Posted on: July 10, 2009 3:59 pm
Edited on: July 10, 2009 4:54 pm
Score: 150
Category: NBA
Comments
big_red01027
Reputation: 98Level: Superstar Since: Feb 19, 2007 |
Posted on: July 10, 2009 7:03 pm
Score: 73
Hill back with Suns; expects Nash, StoudemireI think Grant Hill has lost his mind. |
Yokito
Reputation: 98Level: Superstar Since: Jun 22, 2008 |
Posted on: July 10, 2009 8:31 pm
Score: 67
Hill back with Suns; expects Nash, StoudemireI think Grant Hill is a great man, a good player, and made a solid decision. |
NBAbasketball
Reputation: 94Level: All-Star Since: Sep 1, 2006 |
Posted on: July 10, 2009 11:01 pm
Score: 109
Hill back with Suns; expects Nash, StoudemireWhy? Hill |
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Badger64
Reputation: 94 Level: All-Star Since: Nov 25, 2007 |
Posted on: July 11, 2009 9:13 am
Score: 58
Hill back with Suns; expects Nash, StoudemireHe makes some good points but needs to work on his grammar. |
digitalmamba
Reputation: 98Level: Superstar Since: May 6, 2007 |
Posted on: July 11, 2009 11:56 am
Score: 135
Hill back with Suns; expects Nash, StoudemireLet me just say this. After all the injuries Hill has been through at this point in his career I think the guy is just happy to still be playing basketball. The suns have taken him in given him playing time and a good home for his basketball career. It seems now like he is simply just playing for the love of the game. Not for the money or even for the championship. Just for the chance to be out on an open floor under the lights enjoying his life. The guy has always been a class act and however he finishes his career I just hope he can stay healthy and enjoy the rest of his time playing ball. |
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ramblinon Level: Superstar Since: Feb 3, 2008 |
Posted on: July 11, 2009 5:49 pm
Score: 102
Hill back with Suns; expects Nash, StoudemireHill often looked like the second or third best player on the Suns last year. He is extremely short sighted to think the roster will not go through a shakeup. Maybe the Suns can start thinking about moving Nash and Hill to buyers while Phoenix can get anything for them. |
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skinheels420 Level: Superstar Since: Mar 13, 2008 |
Posted on: July 11, 2009 5:51 pm
Score: 86
Hill back with Suns; expects Nash, StoudemireGrant Hill is easily my favorite former Duke player. There is no way you can hate the guy. My second favorite former Duke player is................................. |
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jmwarner24
Reputation: 80 Level: All-Star Since: Mar 4, 2008 |
Posted on: July 13, 2009 12:30 pm
Score: -40
Hill back with Suns; expects Nash, StoudemireGET RID OF STEVE KEEEEERRRRRRRRRRRRR HE IS GARBAGE |
