John Salmons is free to choose his preferred destination, either Toronto or Phoenix, according to Sixers GM Billy King. Once Salmons decides, Salmons will be signed and traded.

The Suns are offering a five-year contract worth about $22 million. Toronto is making a more lucrative five-year pitch.

With Phoenix, Philadelphia would get a trade exception worth half of the $3.6 million one the Suns would use to make the deal. Phoenix can start Salmons' contract at $3.7 million because it is a sign-and-trade deal. The Raptors' offer is substantially more.

Toronto has money, playing time and proximity to his home in its favor, but the Suns are a title contender and have emphasized to Salmons that he would have an important role with the team. Salmons, at 6 feet 6, would back up Steve Nash and both wing positions.

"I think we may be looking back, and people will be writing, 'Gee, they had that guy,' " King told the Philadelphia Daily News. "But I think for Johnny a change of scenery is probably best. I think whichever team (he chooses) will be a great situation for him."