http://www.nypost.com/seven/12192008/sports/knicks/sun_setting_on_nashs_value_144930.htm?page=2

According to Peter Vescey,

Well read this blurb:

That brings us back to why the Suns were compelled to include a No. 1 choice in the Richardson-Thomas swap.

"When we signed Quentin as a restricted free agent for $43million we had no idea his back was uninsurable," Sarver said, still upset about how things went down.

Only after the Clippers declined to match and Richardson took a physical did the Suns learn they had been had. The part about his surgically repaired back conveniently had been left out.

"Had Quentin suffered a career-ending injury to his back we were liable for his whole contract," Sarver said contemptuously.

Predictably, despite Richardson's critical contribution and the team's success, he was moved first chance management got though Thomas' sun dial speed (and contract) made him a flawed fit. To his credit, he became accomplished at in-bounding, following scores and a feared (jump-shooting) trailer on the break.

Still, the distant odor of the luxury tax stimulated Sarver to sanction the sacrifice of two No. 1 picks (10 months before need be) to entice the Sonics to remove Thomas' salary from the Suns' books. So, in actuality, Richardson's deportation cost them three No. 1s.

The KnicksNew York Knicks were informed about the back/insurance problem and refused to assume the financial risk unless we gave them a No. 1, Sarver said. Robinson was on the Suns roster for five minutes before being re-assigned.

Who says Isiah Thomas didn't earn his keep?

Correct me if I'm wrong, but if this is true then it is huge! Because that means we still can a pick in 2010 draft, and still pay off the Utah trade

Uh dude, the #1 pick we got was used to draft Nate Robinson.

that Vescey tries to write in such a clever way that it just ends up confusing people.