Steve Nash Can Free Himself from Phoenix

Steve Nash went on the Dan Patrick show and answered questions about his future in Phoenix, with his contract up at the end of the season:

"I am not going to come back to the Suns... if they're not looking to upgrade the roster seriously & I think they are."

Of course, this set into motion a lot of pleas to #FreeSteveNash. Brett Koremenos, a friend and astute NBA strategy analyzer, has consistently advocated to "free" the marooned point guard. Chris Webber even started a "Free Steve Nash" chant on NBA TV (Brett, you can thank me later for putting you in such elite status). 

Yes, it seems Nash is putting pressure on the Suns, and possibly setting a departure into motion. But I believe we should recognize that Steve always had the power to "free" himself. He wasn't on a rookie contract, he signed an extension after Phoenix gutted its roster, and he's probably long had the sway to request a trade out of town even after that. So yes, the end of the contract represents more freedom, but it's freedom Nash has likely always held. 

Perhaps Steve Nash does not want what we want for him (a title run on another team). Perhaps he just happens to like where he lives. All of that is understandable, athletes shouldn't live only to optimize our entertainment from their work. So if Steve decides against a title chase in 2012-2013, just know that's real freedom, right there.