NEW YORK (AP)-Grant Hill is staying with the Phoenix Suns.
Hill decided to remain in Phoenix on Friday, rather than join a title
contender in Boston or a rebuilding team in New York.
Lon Babby, Hill's agent, said during a conference call that the deal is
for two years, the second at Hill's option, and he will be paid $3
million in the first year. He could have earned more next season in New
York, where Babby said the Knicks offered the full midlevel exception,
about $5.8 million, for one year or $10 million for three.
The Celtics and Knicks both provided the chance for Hill to reunite with
former coaches: Doc Rivers in Boston and Mike D'Antoni in New York. The
Celtics had under $2 million to offer and couldn't guarantee Hill a
starting spot, but Babby said all three teams were willing to give Hill
everything he asked for.
"I will say this. He thought long and hard about the alternatives. He
did not come to this decision easily or lightly," Babby said. "The
places had a lot to offer and very different things to offer and that's
what made it challenging for us to work our way through this."
Hill has played the last two years for the Suns and averaged 12 points
in 2008-09 while playing in all 82 games for the first time in his
14-year career. Though Phoenix missed the playoffs last season, traded
Shaquille O'Neal and listened to offers for Amare Stoudemire, Babby
said Hill expects Stoudemire to remain in Phoenix next year.
Hill's decision was previously reported by Yahoo Sports, which said part
of his decision was based on the belief the Suns were close to an
extension with Steve Nash .
"I think he's quite confident the team that's coming back next year is
going to be a highly, highly competitive team and obviously that would
include Steve Nash," Babby said. "But you need to get those specifics
from the Suns."
The Knicks, previously turned down by Jason Kidd , hoped Hill would be
intrigued by the opportunities the city could provide. His wife, Tamia,
is a Grammy-nominated recording artist.
"New York offers many things, including an important platform off the
court as well as on the court," Babby said. "I think the obvious
advantages of each place were given careful consideration."
A team spokesman said Babby called the Knicks on Friday to inform them
of Hill's decision, and that they were disappointed but understood and
would now focus on other players and their own free agents. David Lee
and Nate Robinson are both restricted free agents.
Hill is a seven-time All-Star who has averaged 18.5 points for Detroit,
Orlando and Phoenix. Most of his six seasons with the Magic were ruined
by injuries before the Suns signed him 2007. Babby said Hill considered
the faith the Suns had in him two years ago, saying Hill, "didn't want
to leave Phoenix on a sour note."
And the Suns strengthened their case with a late recruiting pitch after
Hill had what Babby called a "very, very impressive visit" to New York.
Team president Steve Kerr, owner Robert Sarver and coach Alvin Gentry
then visited Hill, which Babby said might have been the deciding factor.
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Grizzlies waive newly acquired Jerry Stackhouse
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP)-The Memphis Grizzlies have waived Jerry Stackhouse ,
just a day after acquiring the NBA veteran in a four-team, eight-player
trade.
General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations Chris
Wallace announced the move Friday after Thursday's blockbuster deal
involving the Grizzlies, Dallas Mavericks, Toronto Raptors and Orlando
Magic.
As part of the trade, Grizzlies guard Greg Buckner was sent to Dallas,
and the Grizzlies also received a second-round pick and cash from
Toronto and cash from Dallas.
The 34-year-old Stackhouse was due more than $7 million with the
Mavericks next season, but his contract could be bought out for $2
million-likely the amount of cash Memphis received in the trade.
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