NBA Rumors: Toronto Raptors Will Reportedly Offer Steve Nash Huge Payday

There are conflicting reports as to whether or not the Toronto Raptors might have just found their match in this 2012 NBA free-agency period.

Reportedly, sources had confirmed the team has offered free-agent PG Steve Nash a deal worth approximately $12 million a year, according to Sports Illustrated's Sam Amick:

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The Raptors are likely to offer a deal that pays approximately $12 million annually, though it remains to be seen whether it is for three guaranteed years or two years with a team option in the third season.

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UPDATE: Monday, July 2, 2012 at 9:50 a.m. EST by Luis Batlle

It's official, the Toronto Raptors have put the offer out there on the table.

Despite the dispute as to how much Nash is making, ESPN.com' s Marc Stein has reported that the Toronto Raptors have offered Nash the three year, $36 million dollar contract.

UPDATE: Sunday, July 1, 2012 at 2:29 p.m. EST by Luis Batlle

Other sources say that the initial release of the Raptors offering Nash a deal was incorrect.

According to a tweet from The New York Post's Marc Berman, the leak made this morning was untrue.

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Source says Toronto's reported 3-year, $36M offer made to Steve Nash this morning is "false.''

— Marc Berman (@NYPost_Berman) July 1, 2012"

--END OF UPDATE--

The conflicting reports undoubtedly make Nash's next destination all the more unclear.

Nash may be 38 years old, but there is absolutely no question this is still one of the five more talented point guards in the game. The future Hall of Famer was second in the league in assists per game last season with 10.7 per contest. He was neck-and-neck with Boston's Rajon Rondo for top honors.

If he in fact is considering the Raptors, Nash would essentially be in a similar role as he was in Phoenix. The two teams don't have similar styles of play, but both have a certain expectation that Nash will not only dish the ball but also knock down shots.

With his intelligent, superior passing ability, there are times when people forget just how solid a jump shooter Nash is as well. Last season, he averaged 12.5 points per game on an impressive 53.2 percent shooting from the field.

Outside the numbers, he was able to make the right plays and put his team in winning situations time and time again. In spite of mediocre talent and an injured Grant Hill, the Suns still had a fighting chance at a playoff spot.

The Raptors currently have Jose Calderon holding down the point guard spot, but ESPN's Chris Broussard is reporting that they may amnesty him to make room for Nash (h/t Rotoworld).

Chances are that a move to Toronto leaves Nash without an NBA title, but could well be a move financially advantageous if the initial report is true.