Via David Aldridge of NBA.com:
Free agent forward Grant Hill is still considering at least two other teams–the two teams in last month’s Finals, Miami and Oklahoma City–as well as the Lakers as he decides where he’s going to play next season, according to a source with knowledge of the 39-year-old forward’s thinking.
Reports Tuesday indicated that Hill has decided either to play for the Lakers or retire. But the source strongly indicated that Hill has not limited himself to Los Angeles as he makes up his mind. The Lakers emerged as a strong favorite for Hill after they agreed to terms with the Suns last week on a sign-and-trade deal that will send Steve Nash to the Lakers after the end of the July Moratorium on the 11th for four Draft picks and $3 million. But Hill is looking at the Heat and Thunder as well.
The question is, is Hill just considering the Thunder or are the Thunder considering him back? I think that’s probably relevant.
In other words, I read this as, “Hey Lakers, up your offer or else!”
The Thunder aren’t likely to extend anything more than a one-year offer to Hill, and depending on his thinking, he probably will want at least a partially guaranteed second season. And with Oklahoma City at 14 on the roster after drafting Perry Jones III and signing Hasheem Thabeet, offering that final spot to Hill rather than a developmental player seems unlikely.
Also, where does Hill get minutes in the Thunder rotation? Obviously he seems like a natural backup for Kevin Durant, but depending on how minutes shake out, Hill might only see 10-15 a game. If that’s something he’s fine with, then it could be a fit I guess.
Last summer, I was a supporter of the Thunder taking a long look at Hill and not much has changed, except he’s a year older. The problem comes down to money, contract length and role.
And also this: Hill turns 40 in October.
Hill averaged 10.2 points and 3.5 rebounds in 28 minutes a night last season in Phoenix.
[...] are the high character-quality players the Suns have long been famous for (Grant Hill and Nash), and in is Michael Beasley, one of the biggest disappointments in the NBA. Despite what [...]