NBA Rumors: Breaking Down the 5 Best Potential Landing Spots for Steve Nash
Steve Nash is still going strong at 38 years old, and as a unrestricted free agent, he will be highly sought-after this offseason. Contenders everywhere will be looking for the sensational passer to put their team over the hump in their chase for a title.
Nash has already said he desires to sign a three-year deal and isn't afraid to leave the Phoenix Suns if they don't improve. Coming from a guy who has stuck with the Suns through the good and the bad, believe Nash when he says he is willing to leave.
It's safe to say Nash will not go to a non-playoff team other then the Suns, and contenders such as Miami and Atlanta will go hard after him.
Here are the five best fits for Nash as he enters free agency after this season:
Before Nash was a two-time MVP with the Phoenix Suns, he was Dirk Nowitzki's partner in crime with the Dallas Mavericks. It has been rumored that the Mavs will make a play for Nash if they can't sign Dwight Howard or Deron Williams.
Dallas would be an intriguing fit for Nash, as it seems to think he would be its consolation prize.
I can't see Nash going to a team as a possible third choice, but his roots in Dallas certainly could lead to him signing with the Mavs.
4. Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers are almost done with their nightmare of a season and will soon be looking for a new point guard with Raymond Felton set to hit free agency.
Couple the Blazers' need at point guard with comments from LaMarcus Aldridge saying he wants Nash in Portland, and this is a real possibility.
Nash fits in well in Portland and would get his wish of superior teammates; Aldridge would fill the void left by Amar'e Stoudemire. A two-man game between Nash and Aldridge is truly a scary thought.
I've long thought the Atlanta Hawks are a good point guard away from being a true contender, and Nash would be the ideal point to fill that role.
The Hawks really need a point guard who can initiate offense and pass the rock around to Joe Johnson, Josh Smith and Al Horford. Nash is perfect because he is the ultimate floor general and prefers to set up his teammates rather than shoot himself.
Atlanta will be cash-strapped, though, as it has around $60 million tied up to only six players.
2. Miami Heat
The Miami Heat are easily the top contending team that could make a move for Nash, as he has already expressed interest in taking his talents to South Beach.
The mere idea of Nash on the Heat is downright scary and probably highly unrealistic. Miami has a ton of money tied up to its players for next season, and the only way this could happen is if the Heat traded people away for draft picks.
There's no doubting the fit of Nash on the Heat, though. His passing ability would be terrifying when combined with D-Wade and LeBron.
1. Phoenix Suns
I fully expect to hear about this in the comments section, but this is the best place for Nash to be next season.
Notice I didn't say best place to win a title, because Phoenix is clearly not the best place for that.
The offense was built around Nash, Phoenix players were acquired to fit around Nash, the fanbase is centered around Nash.
Get the picture?
Steve Nash is this organization. Period. Losing him would be a catastrophic blow and would require the playbook to be re-written.
There's a reason the team has had such a hard time finding a suitable replacement for him. He's the ultimate floor general and, in my opinion—aside from Chris Paul and Rajon Rondo—the only player capable of conducting the Suns offense as it's meant to be.
You could be wondering, "What about Derrick Rose, Deron Williams, Russell Westbrook and Tony Parker?"
Well, those players simply are not the unselfish player Nash is, and they do much more shooting than Nash does.
Phoenix is, and will continue to be, the best fit for Steve Nash for next season and seasons beyond.
