NBA Trade Rumors: Suns Must Not Be Stubborn About Retaining Steve Nash

The Phoenix Suns have some legit excuses to hang on to Steve Nash. For example, he's playing well, the team is playing well and Nash has not demanded to be traded elsewhere.

There are, however, some legitimate reasons for the Suns to trade Nash. Specifically, they should trade him because he's a free-agent-to-be and the team desperately needs to rebuild. Trading Nash could help that process.

The Suns are not blind to this reality. We know this because Sam Amick of SI.com knows this:

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One executive whose team has had serious interest in Nash in the past told SI.com that the Suns are "as close as they've ever been" to realizing that they need to seriously consider pulling the trigger on a trade if a young star is offered in return. Still, it appears the greater likelihood is that he remains.

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Amick also wrote that Nash "seems to be the one making the ultimate decision," meaning he could very well force the team's hand if he marches into the front office and demands a trade.

Judging from Nash's comments in recent months, including the ones he made to ESPN.com's Marc Stein in early January, he's not about to force his way out of Phoenix. He likes it there, and he's content with his present situation. This despite the fact the Suns are a far cry from the teams that were contending for championships in recent seasons.

If Nash wakes up one day and decides he'd rather chase a well-deserved ring than languish in the desert, one assumes the Suns will do what they can to accommodate his wishes.

However, the Suns would be stupid to wait for Nash's blessing. 

Amick says the Suns are close to realizing that they would have to pull the trigger on a trade if they are offered a young star. It's not good enough for them to be "close" to realizing that. Accepting a young star in return for Nash should be a no-brainer.

And Nash could most certainly fetch a young star. He's old, to be sure, but it's uncanny how well he's playing this season. The fact that he's leading the NBA in assists goes to show that he'll be able to dish the rock until the day he dies. Any team looking to make a championship run would love to have a guy like Nash.

At least a couple of teams out there actually need a guy like Nash to make a run at a championship. Giving up a young stud for Nash would be a risk, but it's a risk worth taking. 

It's a good bet that the Suns will be forced into making a decision before the March 15th trade deadline passes. If and when that day comes, playing hard to get would be utter foolishness.

If the Suns end up holding on to Nash only to see him walk in free agency, they're going to have some explaining to do.