PHOENIX SUNS sign Jumaine Jones/ATLANTA HAWKS sign Lorenzen Wright

[Now_Im_Not_Banned]

Jones picks Suns over Maccabi Tel-Aviv

Paul Coro
The Arizona Republic
Aug. 31, 2006 12:00 AM

A handful of NBA teams were willing to give Jumaine Jones more money to play for them this season.

European power Maccabi Tel Aviv would have paid Jones significantly more to join it.

Luckily for the Suns, a million dollars in Phoenix is plenty for Jones. It comes with an opportunity to win and maybe get that windfall next year.

That is why Jones took his physical Wednesday in Phoenix in preparation for signing a one-year contract today. He will play for the league minimum, which means $998,967 as a seven-year pro. The deal does not include an option year.

The Suns only pay $744,551 of his salary because a league fund pays anything above a two-year player's minimum.

Jones, a 6-foot-8 swingman who can play power forward, figured to command more money and years this summer. When the offers did not materialize, Jones switched agents to Merle Scott, who also handled Suns guard Leandro Barbosa's extension this summer and works for the company representing Steve Nash.

"With the way Phoenix plays, there are certain players who are natural fits," Scott said. "He's a shooter. He's a rebounder. He's looking to play for a contender, which was a priority for him. It's a great opportunity. He knows he's coming in to play a supporting role."

Scott foresees a role for Jones similar to the one Tim Thomas, now with the Los Angeles Clippers, played at the end of last season.

"With the rotation and style of ball, the track record shows that guys are going to produce and get better," Scott said. "I know how happy Leandro is. I hope Jumaine feels as good about the family atmosphere.

"He's coming in to prove himself. The way they play, that's not too much to ask."

The Suns summer has a markedly different look than in late June/early July, when they did not get their draft targets, dealt two first-round picks and were unable to keep Thomas.

The off-season improved when John Salmons' wavering on a commitment allowed the Suns to learn point guard Marcus Banks' asking price had fallen into range.

Jones, coming off a career-best 10.5 scoring average in Charlotte, was one of Phoenix's top free-agent swingman targets to start the summer. He fell through the cracks, leaving Suns Vice President of Basketball Operations David Griffin to land a steal with Jones' fit and price.

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Center Wright returning to Hawks

By SEKOU SMITH
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 08/05/06
 
The Hawks have reached an agreement with free agent center and former Hawk Lorenzen Wright on a two-year contract worth an estimated $6 million, according to a source familiar with the situation.

Wright, a 6-11, 250-pound 10-year veteran, played the past five seasons in Memphis, alongside All-Star center Pau Gasol. He started 58 of 78 regular season games for the Grizzlies this past season and averaged 5.8 points and 5.1 rebounds while playing just 21.7 minutes per game.

Wright spent two seasons with the Hawks, 1999-00 and 2000-01, posting a career high scoring average (12.4) during his second season.

Drafted by the Los Angeles Clippers with the seventh pick in the 1996 draft, Wright has career averages of 8.8 points and 6.9 rebounds. He fills a huge need for the Hawks as the backup center to fourth-year pro Zaza Pachulia.





I believe Jumaine Jones will really shine in Phoenix...Definitely a major steal for them, though Tim Thomas still woulda' been the better fit (but for a lot more money)...As for Lorenzen Wright, I think $3 million/per year is a lot for a known underachiever. However, Hawks have a lot of nice young prospects and a pretty deep bench...Both of these moves just improved the teams, and the Lakers' rivalry with Phoenix just got a little more interesting.

Phoenx Suns:
PG Steve Nash...Marcus Banks
SG Raja Bell...Leandro Barbosa/Eric Piatowski
SF Shawn Marion...Jumaine Jones/James Jones
PF Boris Diaw...Kurt Thomas
C Amare Stoudemire...Sean Marks/Pat Burke


Atlanta Hawks:
PG Speedy Claxton...Tyronn Lue/Royal Ivey
SG Joe Johnson...Salim Stoudemire/Anthony Grundy
SF Josh Smith...Josh Childress/Donta Smith
PF Marvin Williams...Shelden Williams/Solomon Jones
C Zaza Pachulia...Lorenzen Wright/Esteban Batista

[mrceo]

Damn the Hawks look like they might be a little dangerous this year, not playoff material yet but they have the players to grow in a couple years

[Now_Im_Not_Banned]

Damn the Hawks look like they might be a little dangerous this year, not playoff material yet but they have the players to grow in a couple years

Word...They're gunna be dangerous for sure in 2-3 years.

[GangstaBoogy]

yeah next season the hawks have 2 first round draft pics. if they get 2 good big men, they're gonna make some noise in the east.

[DipsetGeneral]

^^^lol they have some talent and are fun to watch, but after we raped them for Harrington they are still going to miss the playoffs.

[GangstaBoogy]

^^^lol they have some talent and are fun to watch, but after we raped them for Harrington they are still going to miss the playoffs.

Yeah but they have a shot at that kid Greg Oden, so who knows.

[Now_Im_Not_Banned]

I don't think Atlanta really needs Harrington, he wasn't really fitting in and they already have Marvin Williams and Shelden Williams they are trying to develop at the 4 as well as Josh Childress at the 3 and Josh Smith, who can play the 3 AND 4...They wont be dangerous, but they will be better...PeACe

[Antonio_]

Y'all Laker fans know i'm a fan of Jumaine Jones, so i'm happy for him.
And yes, the Hawks are finally looking good.