Phoenix Suns trade Jake Voskuhl to Charlotte Bobcats
Paul Caro, from the Arizona Republic, is reporting that Suns center Jake Voskuhl has been traded to the Charlotte Bobcats for a conditional second-round pick.
Phoenix is apparently trying to clear more cap space to sign guard Joe Johnson to a new deal, estimated at 5 years & $70 million. The Atlanta Hawks are the only other serious competitors for Johnson's services and made the initial $70 million offer.
This is a pretty bad move for the Suns, considering they're also likely to lose Steven Hunter to free agency next week. That would really only leave them with Raja Bell, Jim Jackson and Leandro Barbosa on their bench. Last time I checked, a starting 5 squad can't win a championship by themselves... somewhere down the line, due to fatigue or injury, Phoenix is going to need a decent bench. This move leaves them pretty empty in that department, especially on the front-line.
I've watched Jake Voskuhl many times personally and I think his energy and rebounding are partially responsible for quite a few Phoenix Suns wins the past few years. They let Bo Outlaw go a year ago too and 2004 was a banner year, but without a backup center for Kurt Thomas / Amare Stoudemire, the Suns will not make it very far in the playoffs.
This trade saves Phoenix approximately $2 million per year, which may be enough to get Joe signed to a long-term contract. He's definitely worth a lot of money, but w/ Nash, Marion & Stoudemire already maxed out, the Suns are in a difficult spot right now.
My2Cents