New York Knicks: 3 Reasons to Pursue Raymond Felton Instead of Steve Nash

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It would be impossible to say that this NBA offseason hasn't been exciting. As July begins, the trade talks continue to dominate the headlines. 

The New York Knicks are amongst the conversation as they are in hot pursuit of Steve Nash. The Knicks seem to only be threatened by the Toronto Raptors in this chase. While Nash is a very talented player and a future hall of famer, he is not the best move for the Knicks. 

At the beginning of the 2010-2011 season, Amar'e Stoudemire was on pace for an MVP award, but then the Melo trade sent Raymond Felton packing. Amar'e was never the same. 

In order to succeed, the Knicks should sign Felton over Nash for three major reasons...

We've Seen How Well He Plays With Amar'e

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Before the Melo trade happened, Felton led the Knicks to a respectable 28-26 record. Not only that, but Amar'e was having an MVP-type year. The pick-and-roll was deadly when these two were running the show in the big apple, and it is quite obvious that these two have a certain chemistry.

Unlike Nash, Felton would not need a long adjustment period to fit into the Knick's offense. Woodson may run a few things differently than D'Antoni, but overall he would utilize Felton the same way. 

Felton is Cheaper

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According to ESPN, The Raptors offered Steve Nash $36 million for three years ($12 Million a year). Last season, Felton only made $7.5 million. After a poor season with Portland, his value has dropped even lower, putting him to almost half the price of Steve Nash. 

In order to get Nash, the Knicks would also have to trade away Landry Fields and another valuable asset such as Iman Shumpert or Steve Novak—and no Knick fan would want to see either of those players go.

Signing Felton would result in less destruction to the team, and less money coming off the Knick's salary cap.

Penny Hardaway, Tracy McGrady, and Steve Francis

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Do these names ring a bell? The Knicks have become notorious for picking players when they are well past their prime.

Nash does have the potential to have another solid year, but its no secret that he is on his way down. Realistically speaking, it's going to be nearly impossible to beat the Heat with or without Nash this year.

With that in mind, does it really make sense to spend a lot of money and give up young talent for an aging guard? No—it would make much more sense to sign the younger, and less expensive option.

The competition is too tough to go all-in right now, and we've seen how well Felton can play in New York.