NBA Trade Rumors: Why Dallas Mavericks Must Land Steve Nash Before Deadline

It is easy to see what the Dallas Mavericks are missing. Finding steady point guard play has been a problem for them all year long, and the trade deadline might be the best time to make a move. 

Steve Nash would to fit the mold perfectly. The Mavericks are a team with savvy veterans like himself, and according to ESPN this seems like a possible situation.  The Mavs and Mark Cuban need to make this happen, and here are five reasons why.   

Nash Is Playing His Best Basketball

Nash's trade value is probably the highest it has been in the past five years.  The 38-year-old has seen reduced minutes this season, but has kept up his usual averages of 14.1 points per game and 10.5 assists.  

He has had seven games with over 20 points so far this year, which is more than Jason Kidd, Delonte West and Roddy Beaubois combined. It is amazing how he has kept it up at his age.  

Nash's statistics so far this year have exceeded expectations.

They Will Not Have to Give Much to Get Him

Nash would be a better option for the Mavs at the trade deadline than Deron Williams because of what the Mavericks would have to give up for each point guard. Williams would be a pricier long-term addition, while Nash could be easily added.  

The Mavericks could give up a minimal amount in terms of player personnel in return for Nash. The Suns would probably be satisfied with Roddy Beaubois, a few expiring contracts and a first or second round (or both) pick in next year's draft.

Dallas could walk away from the trade deadline a big winner if they could get this deal done.

He Could Provide Stability at Point Guard

Jason Kidd hasn't experienced the fountain of youth like Nash has, as he has missed 10 games this year with calf trouble. Kidd is averaging career lows in points (4.3) and assists (5.5) per game, which isn't necessarily helping the Mavericks' cause.

Delonte West has filled in nicely in Kidd's absence, but is not Rick Carlisle's first choice at point guard. The point guard position should be the Mavs' first option at the trade deadline, and if they decide not to cash out on Deron Williams, Nash would be short-term decision that is easier on the wallet.  

Nash and Kidd together would provide even more leadership on a team loaded with veterans.  

The Mavs Would Be Stronger out West

The only way Nash would move out of Phoenix is if he requested a trade. If that trade happened to occur with the Mavericks, it would most likely end the Suns' playoff hopes, but leave the rebuilding pieces in place for next year.  

The Mavericks, with fresh point guard play, would take control of the Southwest division and make a stronger push for the playoffs.  Nobody can distribute the basketball like Nash, and the Mavs are great at ball movement around the court.  

It may only be a short-term investment for Dallas, but a worthy one if it pays off in wins.  

Nash Would Have a Welcomed Return

Mark Cuban isn't afraid to express his feelings of regret for not re-signing Steve Nash back in 2004, saying that Nash has proven him wrong since then. It seems like a natural fit for him to come back.

Nash would be back playing with some of his favorite teammates in Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd and Shawn Marion, and would be warmly welcomed back by the Mavericks' fans.  

Dallas would be the perfect place for Nash to finish up his career in a few years or so.  

Maybe Nowitzki and Nash can flip their hair behind their ears together once again.