At 36 years old and 15 seasons of NBA experience under his belt, Shawn Marion isn't the high-octane offensive player he used to be. But Marion is still an above-average defender and that has the Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers competing fiercely for his services.
The Pacers met with Marion, a 6-7 forward, who spent the past five seasons in Dallas. Marc Stein of ESPN.com was first to report the news.
ESPN sources say Shawn Marion had a face-to-face meeting earlier Monday with Pacers president Larry Bird
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) August 12, 2014
Pacers president Larry Bird confirmed the meeting took place and came away feeling good about his team's chances of acquiring the former All-Star. But Bird realizes landing Marion is far from a sure thing.
"What I came away with was he's undecided with where he wants to play and what he wants to do," Bird said at a news conference Tuesday. "But he does want to play for a contender."
Indy IS trying to wedge its way into contention for Shawn Marion and Larry Bird did meet Monday with Marion, but Cavs remain in lead for now — Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) August 12, 2014
Though the Pacers lost All-Star forward Paul George, most likely for the entire 2014-2015 season, they are expected to remain one of the Eastern Conference's better teams. But a title contender? The Cavaliers could make a better case for that label.
Marion has already talked with Cavaliers officials and the NBA's best player, LeBron James, would like to see him in a Cavs uniform. This is sure to make the Pacers' sell a lot more difficult.
Shawn Marion meets with Indiana Pacers; Cleveland Cavaliers still front-runners https://t.co/WncwTwAeFB
— ESPNDallas (@ESPNDallas) August 12, 2014
According to Stein, the Pacers can offer slightly more money to Marion, but will it be enough to convince him that playing in Indiana, instead of Cleveland, next season is more likely to result in an NBA title.
Marion earned an NBA title with the Mavericks in 2011. That team defeated the Miami Heat, who were led by James.
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