Phoenix Suns: Why Suns Would Overpay to Keep Steve Nash

There will be a ton of speculation this offseason regarding where two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash will continue his career next season, as the Phoenix Suns point guard heads into free agency.

Yet while he's 38 years old right now and says his back feels great, Nash says that he intends to play three more seasons. That's great news for the Phoenix Suns, who want to keep Nash in uniform until the end of his career.

Nash wants the Suns to get better and he wants a shot at a ring before the final chapter is written in his storied career.

But he's also been very loyal to Phoenix and it could be hard for him to turn his back on the organization, especially if the Suns were to massively overpay for his services, something they not only would be willing, but almost would have to do.

For one, the Suns will be in position to offer Nash a big deal that covers all three seasons he wants to play. Most contending teams can't offer him more than their mid-level exemption next season. So if the Suns don't massively improve their roster next season in an attempt to keep Nash in town, they can do so by overpaying him.

Then there is the fact that they almost have to.

The Suns elected not to pursue a trade for Nash at the deadline. Therefore they now must do whatever it takes to keep Nash in a Suns uniform. They simply can't allow him to walk now and get nothing in return.

So, the remaining option for the Suns will be to overpay for his services.

That's not a bad option, considering the high level that Nash is currently playing at, tied for the NBA lead in assists at 11.2 APG.

Overpaying for Nash stills gives them some wiggle room to add a couple pieces, as well as an attempt to contend in the future.

So while every team in the NBA has thoughts about adding Nash during the offseason, don't be so quick to send him packing from Phoenix just yet.