Trade?

I don't know if this would help the Suns, but here's an intriguing trade rumor: Amar'e Stoudemire for Portland's LaMarcus Aldridge, Jerryd Bayless, and Raef LaFrentz.

A current all-star for a promising guard and two big guys.

Stoudemire's a great player whose season averages, 21.0 ppg and 8.1 rpg, are close to his career marks. The 6'10" offensive force would make Portland an instant contender -- assuming that center Greg Oden comes along, that guard Brandon Roy continues his strong play, and that Stoudemire can fit in and get the job done on the boards and on defense.

Aldridge, 6'11", is in only his third year. His numbers, 17.6 ppg and 6.8 rpg, aren't that far off Stoudemire's -- but his upside might be greater.

LaFrentz is a journeyman in his 11th NBA season. He's never put up big numbers, averaging 10.1 ppg and 6.1 rpg for his career. On top of that, he's out with a shoulder injury that could sideline for the rest of the season. But at 6'11" and 240, he'd give the Suns another big body.

And, Bayless. Of course the most attractive piece, in my mind. Bayless would be coming home to Phoenix, and would benefit from playing with guard Steve Nash, who would certainly take advantage of the 6'3" guard's ability to fill it up. Bayless is young and inexperienced, but he's a baller and could blossom into a great one.

I'm all for this trade. The Suns are going nowhere this season. I don't know if Stoudemire's been giving it his all, but he's certainly not happy sharing the ball with Shaq. I don't know if he can get much better than he is now. The move might make sense, and Aldridge could fill in nicely. If Bayless turns into what I think he'll turn into, or even if he just develops into another Eddie House, it'll give the Suns some additional punch.

I might be happier if, instead of LaFrentz, the Blazers would throw in forward Channing Frye, who played at Phoenix's St. Mary's H.S. before Bayless was there. Frye also preceded Bayless at the University of Arizona. Frye's 6'11" (a note to a friend of mine: Frye was born in White Plains, NY), but has the rep of playing soft, and has seen limited playing time in his 3-year NBA career. But he could fit in well with the Suns.

Stay tuned.