There have been plenty of questions lately about Steve Nash's future, and it appears the veteran point guard isn't taking any options off the table. We passed along yesterday that Nash, who'll be a free agent this summer, expressed a desire to stay with the team beyond the season. Today, he told Paul Coro of The Arizona Republic that he sympathizes with the tricky position the Suns are in.
"It's up to the team," he said. "I'm happy where I am. I'm not happy with our record. I feel like I made a commitment to the fans and my teammates. But at the same time, I'd understand if the team wanted to make a move, so I'm completely open. To be honest, I just occupy myself with trying to prepare to play and play as well as I can."
Nash reiterated that he won't demand a trade, and Coro reported a few days ago that the Suns are unlikely to trade him. Still, it's worth noting that Nash is not dismissing the possibility of a deal.
The Suns come into the All-Star break well out of playoff contention at 14-20. Nash's 13.9 PPG and 10 shot attempts a night are his lowest numbers since 1999/00, but his 10.9 APG leads the league. He could help teams in the playoff hunt, like the Lakers, Blazers, Heat or Hawks, that don't possess a proven veteran at the point guard position. His $11.7MM contract is hefty, but not unwieldy, and it expires at the end of the season.
stevey……you owe nothing to these guys, just get the trade nobody blames you. I dont know why your tem sucks so bad but its alright.
Phoenix would be stupid not to trade Nash, I think. Lakers in a three-way deal are still the best fit.
Nash is a winner. He deserves a better ending. It’s been years since we’ve gotten to see him nail a clutch 3 and backup down the court with that intense scowl. He deserves a crack at contention, and the Suns owe it to him.
Given some rumors and discussion I’ve heard, here’s a 3 teamer…
Lakers, Pacers, Suns
Nash, David West, and a future indy first rounder to L.A.
Granger, Steve Blake to Phoenix
Gasol, Grant Hill to indy
Phoenix and indy swap first round picks (top 3 protected for phoenix)
Gives Nash (and grant hill) a chance to go out fighting.
Gives the Lakers and Pacers a chance to seriously contend this year.
Gives the suns adequate return for nash (in Granger)
Thers absoulutley nothing in it for the Pacers
Yeah, Pau Gasol sucks.
Him and Hibbert would be a terrible combination…
He would be going to the Kncoks if it wasn’t for Linsanity
Trade him to the Magic for Nelson
Nash better get his championship ring before he retires. Too bad he couldn’t get it done with Amare, Joe Johnson, and Shawn Marion a couple years back…