As the NBA ratified a collective bargaining agreement Thursday to start free agency acquisitions at noon today, Hill openly wrestled with where he will sign as a free agent to close his career. The Suns, offering Hill a one-year, $5.5 million contract, appear to be fending off similar offers from New York and Chicago to keep the 39-year-old swingman.
"Everything is compressed and rushed but this is a big decision," Hill said after working out Thursday at US Airways Center, as he has daily for the past week. "It's probably my last decision so I'm going to make sure I think it through. Nothing's new to report, despite what's been reported elsewhere. I'm still trying to figure it out."
Hill declined to talk specifics about teams but he had plenty of interest before narrowing his focus to a group including the Suns, Knicks, Bulls, Clippers and Spurs. San Antonio was willing to give him a two-year contract. The Clippers offered about $8 million before they settled on a three-year, $24 million deal with Caron Butler. New York, with Hill's original Suns coach, Mike D'Antoni, and Chicago, with title aspirations, are making the Suns' task to keep Hill difficult.
Hill's free agency followed a similar path in 2009 until a Suns contingent flew to Orlando with an improved offer to fend off elite suitors. Hill has proved to be a bargain for the Suns, being paid $10.1 million over the past four seasons -- as a starter. He said this Suns offer is fair.
"It has not been an easy thing," Hill said of negotiations, which have included meetings with Suns President of Basketball Operations Lon Babby, his former agent, in each of the past two days. "I've got to make sure I'm comfortable with whatever decision it may be. I'm not comfortable right now."
"Things have been overwhelming," Hill said. "When I make a big decision, I'm very deliberate. The last week, I've been all over the place."