NBA Trade Rumors: Why Phoenix Suns Should Trade Steve Nash

The Phoenix Suns and Steve Nash have made it rather clear they would love to remain together.

But, according to Yahoo! Sports, the Suns are "closer to making Nash available" leading up to the March 15 trade deadline.

Via Yahoo! Sports: "Steve Nash is far more valuable than just as an expiring contract, and the Suns realize he is unlikely to return to Phoenix since he has only a few seasons left before he hangs it up and the two time MVP is still in pursuit of his first ring."

Nash is a team player. He's not going to go all "Dwight Howard" on the Suns and demand a trade while blasting his teammates for their effort. That's why you aren't going to hear any complaints from him.

But, let's be real. Nash is one of the greatest point guards to ever play this game and he still doesn't have a ring. A player of his caliber, with a good team around him, could make a run at the title.

Nash is averaging 14.3 points and 10.5 assists for the Suns this season, while shooting 56 percent from the floor and 42 percent from downtown. He's done this despite having a shell of a team surrounding him.

As an eight-time All-Star who is now 38 years old, Nash doesn't realistically have much time left in the NBA. This would be his last gasp at a championship.

On the other side of things, why would the Suns honestly hold onto Nash? They're in rebuilding mode and know they don't have the pieces to contend. Trading Nash for a few solid, young pieces and/or draft picks while he still has value would be the next logical step. It would boost the organization moving forward.

The Suns and Nash know they're not headed anywhere right now. They're 12-17 and near the bottom of the Western Conference standings.

It's in the best interest of both parties to move on.