NBA Trade Rumors: How the Suns Could Meet Nash's Re-Signing Conditions

When the 2012 season comes to its conclusion, the Suns will be faced with one of the toughest decisions in all of professional sports.

Do they re-sign their franchise player and re-build around him for what could be Steve Nash's last chance at a title? Or do they cut ties with the man who has been the face of their franchise for nearly a decade.

If they want to keep him around, they'll have some hurdles to overcome.

According to HoopsRumors.com:

...two things would have to happen for him to re-sign: first, they would have to offer him a substantial contract, as he indicated that he is not willing to take a pay cut to re-sign; second, Nash wants the team to acquire new players and make a move towards playoff contention.

While the money shouldn't make them hesitant, it's the immediate re-building that should have Phoenix worried. In a deep Western Conference, it'll take a few key acquisitions to contend again. Fortunately for you, I have a handful of players that, together, could take the Suns to a title.

6. Sign Matt Barnes, Forward

Let's start this contender building process off right. While everyone would like to see 5-star names on this list, the Suns actually have a better chance if they re-build from the ground up. They're likely to have a lottery pick, so in free agency, they should start by targeting specific needs. Their most glaring need, of course, is on the defensive end.

Matt Barnes remains one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA, and pairing him with Jared Dudley on the wing would give the Suns a noteworthy combination. Barnes has decent shooting ability, but that's not why he'd be coming to Phoenix. He'd raise the level of effort on the defensive end and emerge as a key role player on a contending team.


Projected Statistics: 8.7 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 2.2 apg, 1.0 spg, 0.9 bpg

5. Use the Amnesty Clause

With so many hefty and questionable contracts, it's time the Suns get rid of some of the players they made a mistake in signing. Players like Josh Childress and Hakim Warrick are prime candidates.

4. Trade for Delonte West, Guard

Delonte West remains one of the most versatile players in the NBA, showing an ability to play the point and the 2. This is important as Steve Nash would be one year closer to 40 in 2012. He'd be able to help on the perimeter, but more importantly, would be an upgrade over the current backup point guards on the Suns' roster.

The next player would take up more time at the 2, but the Suns could offer the Mavericks point guard help and bring in West right now. West would go a long way towards solidifying the point guard position as safe should Nash begin to show signs of fatigue.



Projected Statistics: 11.4 ppg, 5.7 apg, 4.1 rpg, 1.4 spg

3. Sign Eric Gordon, Guard

With Eric Gordon lining up alongside Steve Nash, the Suns would possess one of the best back courts in the NBA. Gordon is a capable shooter and thrives in penetration, something Nash has always lacked since Shawn Marion and Leandro Barbosa's departures.

Phoenix would likely have to throw a lot of money Gordon's way considering he's a restricted free agent, but that doesn't mean he's not worth it. Gordon is young and talented, and if he can stay healthy, he could be the franchise player of the future.

Projected Statistics: 23.2 ppg, 4.7 apg, 3.5 rpg, 1.6 spg

2. Sign Gerald Wallace, Forward

While everyone remembers the Nash and Stoudemire connection, few seem to acknowledge how important Shawn Marion was to the Suns' success. While Gerald Wallace isn't as skilled a shooter as Marion, he's one of the best defenders in the NBA and is dominant in transition. He'd be the best realistic pick up the Suns could find.

With Wallace's versatility as a forward, the Suns could use a smothering combination of Wallace, Barnes and Jared Dudley when Nash and Gordon are on the bench. Suddenly, the Suns go from easy to score on to impossible to crack.

If they're unable to bring in Wallace, they could consider pursuing Jeff Green or Ersan Ilyasova.

Projected Statistics: 15.0 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 3.5 apg, 1.8 spg, 0.7 bpg

1. Draft Big

Despite having Markieff Morris and Marcin Gortat already on the roster, the Suns need to think about what the safe pick is. Adding a big man like Meyers Leonard or Jared Sullinger would give the Suns a deep front court similar to what the Utah Jazz have with Al Jefferson, Paul Millsap and Derrick Favors. The difference is, the Suns would have Steve Nash running the point.

In a division where big men are at a premium, it wouldn't hurt to be able to pull an equally as talented big man off of the bench.

Another option would be to draft for the wing, but the quality of the wing players is pretty scarce beyond Harrison Barnes and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. Unless one of those two players are available, it's go big or go home.