Rashard for the Matrix?

DraftExpress.com is reporting that a potential blockbuster is brewing between the Sonics and the Suns. From what I understand the Sonics would send Rashard Lewis, Danny Fortson, and the 10th pick to Phoenix for Shawn Marion, Leandrinho Barbosa, and the 27th pick. Even with the understanding that this makes Barbosa essentially a rent-a-player next season, my initial reaction is a strong one: I would love this trade.

Let's get it straight first that I'm not a Rashard hater. He is impossible to guard when he's hitting his threes (which is often). You challenge his perimeter game with a quicker player and he simply backs you down on the block. One of the knocks on the man the Sonics marketing people want us to call "Sweet Lew" is that in the past he was unwilling to bang down low. That is no longer the case on the offensive end, as he emerged this past season as the Sonics #1 option in crunch time. Not Ray. Rashard. He is simply a more reliable two points. It's flat out scary to think of what Steve Nash could do with him and Amare next year.

That said there are a couple of negative Rashard factors that would leave me not unpleased should he be dealt.

Negative #1: He is going to opt out of his contract after this season, and the Sonics are obligated to get something in return for the second best player on their team.

Negative #2: Rashard Lewis has never shown superstar leadership ability. Rashard would be wonderful on a veteran team with an established identity (ie Phoenix). On a team still establishing its identity (ie Supes), he leaves a little to be desired in terms of molding the players around him. I recognize that this second negative is a little nitpicky, and it doesn't influence my feelings anywhere close to the amount that his contract situation does.


Selective Stat Snapshot:
Rashard Lewis
26 years old
20 points, 5 boards, 50 blocks

Shawn Marion
27 years old
22 points, 12 boards, 137 blocks

It's extremely rare for a non-center in the NBA to post those types of rebounding numbers. The Matrix is the definition of an x-factor.

Another pro for Marion is that he's locked up through 08-09. Not to clown my own city, but with the Sonics current management situation it's not going to be easy in the immediate future to attract free agent talent to this corner of the country. Any elite talent we get we're going to get through a trade.

The essence of Shawn Marion is as such that he looks like a claymation version of himself at times.

Runaway 06-07 NW Division Champs Roster
PG: Ridnour/Watson
SG: Ray/Barbosa
SF: Matrix/Wilkins
PF: Wilcox/Collison
C: Petro/Swift

Welcome to Suns NW. That is dirty. However, I would again like to clarify that I'm not going to be upset if the Sonics go into next season with Rashard still on the roster.

UPDATE THAT CHANGES EVERYTHING:
Rashard Lewis via Percy Allen:
"I've put a lot of thought into it [signing an extension] during the season and now, and I would love to finish my career in Seattle and be on one team my entire career."

If Rashard wants to stay he stays. End of story. Bless him.

WEEZY UPDATE:
The Sonics gave Chris Wilcox a qualifying offer on Saturday. As a restricted free agent, the Sonics now have the right to match any offer Wilcox receives this summer. Here's hoping he stays, because I love him.