2012 NBA Free Agents: 6 Teams That Must Go All-in for Steve Nash
After Phoenix point guard Steve Nash made it clear on "The Dan Patrick Show" that he wants to win and would only return to Phoenix if the Suns really improve their current roster, several teams are now looking forward to the offseason with an attempt to land the two-time MVP.
While almost every team in the NBA will certainly inquire about Nash after the offseason, there are a handful of teams that should be be making a full-court press in an attempt to bring him aboard.
Here's a look at six teams that should be all-in on the NBA's assist leader.
Apparently LeBron James isn't satisfied with having only three All-Stars in South Beach.
ESPN's Tom Haberstroh posed the hypothetical question of if James recruited Nash this summer what, would Nash do? Nash seemed more than interested.
"I would listen. He's phenomenal. I love what they're doing there. A lot of people don't like them because they put all that talent there. But they're professional, they play hard, they play together. Their coaching staff has done a great job, so I have a tremendous amount of respect for them.
I would definitely listen.
"
If there is any opportunity to bring Nash aboard, it's something Pat Riley should definitely consider. Unfortunately it's a situation where all they would have to offer the two-time MVP is their mid-level exemption, but Riley has been known to get creative before.
The Magic showed interest in Nash before the trade deadline and now must make an all-out play to attempt to sign him to pair with Dwight Howard. Similar to the Heat, Magic general manager Otis Smith will have to get creative and try to unload salary, but if that's what it takes, that's what Smith needs to do.
Indiana's definitely a long shot, but why not take a serious run at Nash? The Pacers are close to contending in the Eastern Conference now but are probably missing that one big piece.
The Pacers have some stars in the making in Paul George, Danny Granger and Roy Hibbert. Nash could potentially get them over the top. They are in a position most contenders aren't, and with their cap room they could offer Nash a much better contract.
Nash would certainly listen to Mark Cuban in an attempt to reunite with Dirk Nowitzki. If Cuban isn't assured of landing Deron Williams, he must move quickly onto Nash.
Adding Nash to the current group, plus the ability to add additional talent, could be an attractive situation for Nash to think about.
Kobe Bryant often criticized general manager Mitch Kupchak for not doing enough to improve the roster, but Kupchak could quiet down the Lakers star next season by aggressively going after Nash. It would take some creativity to pair the point guard with Bryant, Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum, which would certainly make the Lakers the favorites in the West, but it's something Kupchak needs to get done.
Even dealing Gasol for other pieces might make sense if it involves bringing in Nash.
The Suns can't let Nash walk away—not after not even trying to get anything for him at the trade deadline. He's loyal and will re-sign with the Suns, but they are going to have to make it a point to improve in the offseason.
If they go out there and aggressively add talent, they will be able to convince Nash to stay.
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