NBA Trade Rumors: 10 Teams That Can Contend with Steve Nash

With all of the attention being payed to the Dwight Howard-Deron Williams soap opera, there are a couple other possible superstars out there that could possibly be had.

One of those guys is Steve Nash.

If Phoenix would ever decide on dealing the two-time MVP, there would be a ton of teams lined up to acquire his services.

As rumors begin to swirl via CBS Sports, here's a look at 10 teams that could contend by acquiring Nash.

New York Knicks

No team needs a point guard as bad as the New York Knicks, and no team has been as disappointing as the Knicks after a 7-13 start to the season.

By adding Nash, the Knicks become contenders. They already have a talented roster, but they are missing one big piece.

Plus, Nash thrived in Mike D'Antoni's system while in Phoenix.

Los Angeles Lakers

Everything I just said about the Knicks applies to the Lakers as well.

They have underachieved to this point of the season and need a point guard desperately. Derek Fisher may still be a nice bench piece, but he's ineffective playing over 26 minutes per night.

Nash would be a savior in Lakerland.

Indiana Pacers

Indiana is off to a great start to the season at 13-6, but it's still up in the air if they are legitimate contenders in the Eastern Conference.

Making a play for Nash would most likely have to include Darren Collison and a third team, but even though Collison is a part of the Pacers future, Nash is a much better facilitator and could help Indiana made a serious run.

Atlanta Hawks

Jeff Teague is a nice young point guard, but Nash represents a major upgrade and even though Atlanta is without Al Horford, the Hawks keep on winning.

If they keep things up, Atlanta may need to add a big piece to get out of the second round of the playoffs for a change.

Orlando Magic

CBS Sports Ken Berger recently reported that the Magic are one team that could be very interested in Nash in an attempt to keep Dwight Howard in Orlando.

If that's the case, they better hurry up because the Magic are struggling and Howard looks less interested by the possession.

Utah Jazz

This could come as a surprise to some, but Utah isn't a bad team. They have a better record than perennial playoff teams like the Lakers and the San Antonio Spurs.

Utah has a talented frontcourt and could really use an upgrade in the backcourt.

Adding Nash could make the Jazz a surprise contender in the Western Conference.

Portland Trail Blazers

The Blazers got off to a great start, but now find themselves at 12-9 which would have them in a three-way tie for the final playoff spot in the west if the season ended today.

They have a dominant frountcourt player in LaMarcus Aldridge and could use a Nash to replace a struggling Raymond Felton.

A Nash-Aldridge, one-two punch would be tough to deal with.

Dallas Mavericks

Jason Kidd has been injured and overall has performed like he doesn't have a lot left in the tank. Adding Nash makes the Mavericks one of the teams to beat in the Western Conference.

Mark Cuban has made bold moves before. Would he be willing to bring Nash back to Dallas and make a run at another title?

Memphis Grizzlies

Mike Conley is a nice point guard, but he's not Steve Nash.

Memphis has some good talent and could use one more big piece to make a run in the west.

Nash plus a resurgent Rudy Gay, a solid big man in Marc Gasol and a returning Zach Randolph could make the Grizzlies serious Western Conference contenders.

Philadelphia 76ers

It's hard to know what to make of the Sixers.

They lead the Atlantic Division, but do they really have enough to compete with the likes of Miami and Chicago in the east?

It could be tough to part with a Jrue Holliday, but making an aggressive move for a guy like Nash may bump the Sixers up a notch.