Bell to Suns?

[Fillmoe]

Phoenix Suns-

Utah Jazz: Guard Raja Bell told ESPN.com's Marc Stein on Friday that he's planning to join the Suns later this month, as soon as NBA free agents are allowed to formally sign new contracts.

"We're still negotiating the terms and everything, but that's where I intend to sign," Bell said Friday afternoon.

Even though no contracts can be officially signed until July 22, teams were allowed to commence negotiations with free agents as of 12:01 a.m. Friday morning. Knowing that Bell is bound to attract considerable interest from teams looking for a quality defender who's also underrated as a shot-maker, Phoenix was apparently quick to offer Bell a multi-year deal.

Bell, 28, averaged 11.6 points in two seasons with the Jazz to augment his reputation for sticky perimeter defense.

The Suns began the free-agent period with two top priorities -- re-signing restricted free agent Joe Johnson and signing All-Star forward Amare Stoudemire to a contract extension.

Bell would be the second major addition to a team that won 62 games last season, following this week's trade of Quentin Richardson to New York for veteran forward Kurt Thomas.

The Suns also struck quickly in free agency last July, reaching a verbal agreement to lure eventual league MVP Steve Nash from Dallas to the desert on the first day of negotiations. Nash and Bell are pals from their season together as Mavericks teammates.

"Raja Bell intends to sign a contract with the Suns when the moratorium ends," his agent, Herb Rudoy, told ESPN Insider Chad Ford. "Raja really wanted to play with Steve Nash and saw a great opportunity to do just that."

Suns GM Bryan Colangelo declined comment on the story, citing league policy that prohibits NBA teams from commenting on free-agent negotiations during the moratorium.


source: http://realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/36446/20050701/bell_to_phoenix/

 

[Superman]

That's a nice addition for the Suns. Doesn't quite make up for the loss of Q, but adds some defense along the perimeter and a little outside shooting. Good pickup.

 

[iheartBrad]

Its an excellent pickup if you ask me...at least they are looking for some defense to balance out their offense

 

[Bballkingsrock]

That stinks. I was expecting maybe the Kings could sign him for some defense and he can also shoot.

 

[iheartBrad]

^yeah A LOT of teams were hoping that much

 

[Ryan]

Bell's a great defender and oh how they need it. I'm not sure how much money the Suns have, but with that good of a starting five and such an empty bench, it seems like it would be any free agents deam team.

 

[Kev.in]

He's an excellent fit. I'd even argue that in the context of how he'll play with the Suns compared to how Richardson played last season in Phoenix that you figure Bell is the better player.

 

[Alacron]

Bell is an upgrade from the vastly overrated Q. Looks like the Suns are addressing their defensive concerns. What about us??
~~

 

[sloter]

Bell is an upgrade from the vastly overrated Q. Looks like the Suns are addressing their defensive concerns. What about us??
~~

Could not agree more !!! The Suns management knows what they're doing...

 

[VF21]

I would really have liked NOT to see this happen.

 

[Andriod_KiNg]

Is Bell under the list of King Killers or am I thinking of someone else ?

 

[Packt]

What's been lost in all this is that Richardson went from signing a long term deal with a young club on the rise to getting traded to the Knicks. I feel his pain. He at least has the city lights to cry to.

 

[SacTownKid]

Yes a good pickup indeed. Raja Bell is somebody Dallas should have never let go. He is a capable role player.

 

[ONEZERO]

Just saw on espn that bell has signed a 5 year deal w/suns.

 

[Bibby_Is_Clutch]

Do they know how much $? Wouldnt have minded if he came to the Kings but Im sure we can do fine without him.

 

[ONEZERO]

^^I just read "suns and guard raja bell agree to terms on five year deal", so I don't know how much.

Yeah, I agree, we don't need another sg even if he were to provide some much needed defensive help.

 

[VF21]

Just saw on espn that bell has signed a 5 year deal w/suns.

Interesting...and illegal.

You cannot sign free agents until July 22.

You can talk, you can come to terms, etc. but you cannot put ink to paper until then.

 

[Superman]

I was one of the people wanting Bell to come to the Kings the last time he was available. A lot of members here didn't want him because he got in a fight with Hedo or Bobby or something like that in the playoffs. He was a thug then.

We have some short memories here...

 

[iheartBrad]

^ha...I must of never seen the fight or something cuz I have absolutely no recollection(sp?) of it...I've always liked Raja...didn't he at one time play on the Sixers...? I think thats the first time I noticed him and I've liked him since then...

 

[4cwebb]

Bell on the Suns is a definite upgrade for them defensively, although I wonder how the rotation will look with JJohnson (assuming he's resigned), Marion, JJax and Bell. I wonder if the plan is to give JJohnson and Marion a few more minutes rest each night?

 

[bibbyweb]

Great pick by the Suns. SI.com reports that he will be having a 4-6mil$ per year deal for 5 yrs or something. But can be signed only after 22nd