Steve Nash won back to back MVPs in 2004 and 2005, but may be starting fatigue because of age. I recently talked with Suns GM Steve Kerr and depending on the new coach, Nash could be on his way out.
Nash might not fit into Kerr's style of slow paced play. He played so well with D'Antoni, but since he is gone Nash may also be out.
When Shaq came in, the start of what is to come in Phoenix over the the next few years, Nash struggled under the new style. It showed as he didn't perform well in the playoffs. He said it himself that the Hack-A-Shaq and feeding the post hurt his rhythm.
His age may also be a factor. When coming to Phoenix he had a back problem. He seemed to get younger, but now may be near the end of his career. Here are various scenarios that may or should happen.
Michael Jordan wants to win now in Charlotte and there is no better way than getting a veteran point guard to the Bobcats. Raymond Felton may be more of a shooting guard and has questions as a point guard, which may conflict with coach Larry Brown.
The chance of Nash being traded to the Bobcats for the ninth pick, Felton, Nazr Mohammed, and Othella Harrington is a possibility. Nash is a pass first point guard who can set up Jason Richardson, Matt Carrol, and Adam Morrison for three-pointers, or throw ally-oops to Gerald Wallace or Emeka Okafor.
Charlotte could be a playground for Nash as he would have many weapons. Coach Brown could help this roster win the East within the next two seasons. The Suns get the promising Felton with much needed depth to the roster. With the ninth pick they could land a variety of talent.
Phoenix can look to rebuild with the young talent and yet win the West next season. Felton, Raja Bell, Grant Hill, Amare Stoudemire, and Shaq will all fit well together. This scenario works for both sides and has already been talked about between the two teams.
Another good fit for Nash would be in Orlando. The Suns could trade Nash to the Magic for the 22nd pick, Jameer Nelson, expiring contract in Tony Battie, and Brian Cook. The Suns would get depth with an already solid point guard in Nelson.
Magic get the veteran and a player who can run a team with shooters Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu, while throwing ally-oops to Dwight Howard. This would be a nice fit for Nash as he has what he needs to run a team. Coach Van Gundy wants a guy who can set up those big threes and will get that guy.
What Nash may want, as well as D'Antoni, is for the two to be reunited. The trade may never work, but why not try? A possibility is trading Nash with a player D'Antoni has reported wanting in Boris Diaw and cash to even out the trade for the sixth pick, large expiring contract in Stephon Marbury, and David Lee.
No one really wants Marbury's trouble, but Shaq would keep him in line. Suns get a solid point guard and a good back up in Lee. With Shaq and Marbury having two large expiring contracts, they would have a lot of money to get maybe a LeBron James. This may never work since the Knicks need to rebuild and not get an old point guard but would still be nice to see the two reunited.
Nash may be out of Phoenix and these are all possible suitors for him. He has a few good years left in him and the East may be the best way for him to get to the finals.
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