Marion on the Block?

As the Miami Herald reported today, several teams are interested in acquiring versatile forward Shawn Marion. Barry Jackson, the author of the article, specifically mentioned the Warriors and the L.A. Clippers as teams interested in Marion. Of the two, I appear Oakland appears more plausible. Now that Elton Brand left Clipper Nation, I don't see L.A. having many assets to trade.

Two players whom entice Miami's interest are Monta Ellis and Andris Biedrins. Ellis, though not a pure point guard, could handle the ball a lot and take tremendous scoring pressure off of Dwyane Wade. Biedrins, meanwhile, is a lengthy center who is also a good rebounder. Both are restricted free agents, and booking them for a flight to Miami would have to be via a sign-and-trade.

Pat Riley has used the entire mid-level exception, splitting it between newly-acquired forward James Jones and second-round pick Mario Chalmers. What remains is the bi-annual exception, worth approximately $1.9 million. The Heat might be able to pick up someone with the bi-annual exception, but it won't be Ellis or Biedrins.

Shawn Marion is owed approximately $17.2 million next season. Due to Miami and Golden State being over the cap, the 25% trade rule is invoked. Therefore, Ellis and Biedrins would need to combine their contracts for this upcoming season to be nearly identical to that of Marion. An example would be Ellis signing a deal worth roughly $12 million for next season and Biedrins signing a contract worth $5 million.

Miami would fill in their needs for a point guard and center with Ellis and Biedrins on board, respectively. Golden State, meanwhile, would give fans something to cheer about with Maggette and Marion. This could also give them the flexibility to trade either Al Harrington or maybe even Stephen Jackson.

There are those who may view Ellis' lack of three-point accuracy as a reason to be leery of signing him. During Miami's championship run, Jason Williams was 37.2% from three-point land during the regular season and 27.4% in the playoffs. Antoine Walker shot 35.8% during the season and 32.4% in the playoffs. James Posey shot 40.3% during the season and 42.2% during the playoff run. Gary Payton shot 28.7% during the season and 29.3% during the playoffs on just 58 attempts.

That's all they had. Four players and one of them was a dead-eye shooter. In Miami's current roster, they have James Jones, Mario Chalmers, Michael Beasley, and Daequan Cook. Those are four guys also. Moreover, Ellis and Wade are at a young age, so they can develop a three-point shot over time. Say what you want about Monta Ellis' shooting, but I'd take him over Tyronn Lue any day of the week.