NBA Rumors: Phoenix Suns Must Pursue Jamal Crawford to Keep Steve Nash in Town
The Phoenix Suns are somehow in playoff contention this season despite having a severe lack of talent around Steve Nash.
It’s exactly the reason why the organization is highly interested in acquiring Jamal Crawford this offseason and making re-signing the 38-year-old All-Star point guard its top priorities.
He’s a career 15.3 point-per-game scorer, along with averages of 3.9 assists, 2.6 rebounds and 1.0 steals. The relentless shooter isn’t afraid to take—and make—big shots when they count, and that is the type of player the Suns are sorely lacking.
According to Chris Hynes of CSNNW.com, a Trail Blazers insider, Suns sources have let it be known that Crawford is the No. 1 guy on their list this summer if they can convince Nash to stick around and finish his career in the desert.
Jon Bloom, broadcaster for the Suns, also overheard a compelling conversation that leads us to believe there is a mutual interest.
If Crawford truly did tell coach Alvin Gentry that he wants to be out of Portland and in Phoenix, it should be quite easy for the two parties to work out an agreement.
The Suns are only on the books for a little over $30 million next season, although that number would increase a bit if Nash, Grant Hill and other solid pieces were retained.
Crawford has a player option for $5 million in 2012-13, but it’s extremely unlikely that he will exercise it. It’s been one of the tougher years of the 32-year-old gunner’s career, as his team has fallen out of contention for the postseason.
He’d have a much better time in Phoenix, especially if the future Hall of Famer—Nash—decided to stick around.
The former Bulls, Knicks, Hawks and Warriors star is one of the best 2-guards on the market, and his experience and skills are far superior to anyone else on the Suns roster.
Michael Redd and Shannon Brown are the only true SGs on the team, and neither is going to be a starter on a team with a real chance to contend. Crawford could easily be Nash’s partner in the backcourt and have them coasting to the playoffs for the next two seasons.
Of course, this all depends on Steve deciding to stay in the Valley of the Sun, rather than taking his talents to a better team to finish his career.
Look for Crawford to make the trek to the desert this summer if Nash decides to stay put.
