NBA Free Agency Rumors: Breaking Down Buzz Surrounding Steve Nash

Steve Nash is one of the most highly sought-after players in the 2012 NBA Free agency, and he's being courted by a number of teams.

While his previous team, the Phoenix Suns, is in the running to re-sign him, Nash has up to four other suitors vying for his attention.

What's the latest on the Nash front? We'll break down all the buzz surrounding Steve Nash.

TORONTO

The Raptors desperately want to sign the Canadian-born Nash and are pulling out all the stops. According to ESPN's Marc Stein, the Raptors have offered Nash a three-year deal worth $36 million.

The Raptors have more reason than just basketball to bring Nash in the fold, according to SI's Sam Amick.

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When the Bell and Rogers groups -- respective owners of rival sports television networks TSN and SportsNet -- agreed to buy majority interest of the Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment company in December, their shared interest was rooted in a fear that MLSE was going to create a mega-network that would force their loss of Raptors and Leafs programming. The two companies, whose majority ownership is expected to be formalized within the next three months, decided that partnering with a competitor was better than being obliterated by a larger station that would likely have been built in the mold of the Knicks' MSG network.

 

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The Canadian Nash would be a boon to the Raptors. They ranked 17th in attendance last season. 

Nash would also be a good fit on the court. They have a young core in DeMar DeRozan, Terrence Ross, Andrea Bargnani and Ed Davis. Adding Nash will only help.

In order to get Nash on the roster, the Raptors would likely amnesty current point guard Jose Calderon. Calderon is a good player, but he's no Nash.

If Nash were to go to the Raptors, he would increase his earnings and become a national hero by improving a young core and leading the team into playoff contention.

NEW YORK:

The Knicks are long shots to sign Nash, but that doesn't mean they won't try. 

The Knicks can only offer Nash $3 million through their mid-level exception. However, if they engage the Suns in a sign-and-trade, Nash can make more money.

According to Paul Coro of the Arizona Republic, a sign-and-trade could look something like this:

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If they landed Nash via a sign-and-trade with Phoenix, the Knicks would not depart with point guard Iman Shumpert, who the Suns liked in last year's draft. New York is willing to part with a package that features Landry Fields, Toney Douglas, $3 million and the non-guaranteed salaries of Dan Gadzuric and Jerome Jordan. Fields is a restricted free agent who could be signed to a deal while Douglas' contract could be seen as an expiring contract whose salary is more than covered by the cash component. The Suns could waive Gadzuric and Jordan at no cost.

 

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Of course, any sign-and-trade is predicated on Nash choosing to play for the Knicks. If he does, he could get a deal worth $10 million annually, according to Caro

Nash lives in Manhattan in the offseason, so the Knicks might be a logical destination. He has played with Amare Stoudemire before.

Nash would likely replace Jeremy Lin. Lin would have a chance to learn from one of the best. 

Nash would also benefit Carmelo Anthony. While Anthony likes to create for himself, the addition of an incredible passer like Nash will only help. 

Nash would upgrade the Knicks tremendously, but they cannot offer the money that Toronto can.

BROOKLYN

Steve Nash has met with the Brooklyn Nets, according to Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News.  

The Nets are currently trying to re-sign Deron Williams, so the fit with Nash isn't clear.

Marc Stein of ESPN says that they are pursuing Nash both as a contingency plan and as a potential backcourt partner for Williams. 

The Nets are trying to team Williams with Dwight Howard, as well as with Joe Johnson. Whether they have the cap room to fit those players and Nash is not clear.

DALLAS

Deron Williams is the eye of the Mavericks affection. If the Mavs don't get Williams, they could turn to Nash.

Nash, who played with Dallas from 1998 to 2004, would team up with Dirk Nowitzki to chase that elusive championship. 

That Mavericks and Nash have not scheduled a meeting; that would likely come if Williams chooses to play somewhere other than Dallas. ESPN has reported that Dallas would offer a two-year deal. 

PHOENIX

Steve Nash has had some great moments in Phoenix, but his time there may be coming to an end.

ESPN reports that Phoenix is prepared to offer Nash a two-year, $20 million deal but are not willing to go for a third year. 

In addition, Nash might be ready to move on from the Suns: [via ESPN]

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"I don't necessarily feel like it's a home run anymore," Nash said of re-signing with the Suns. "I don't necessarily feel like they're determined to keep me. I think there's a lot of factors. So, one, I'm not sure they're determined to keep me, (and) two, there's other opportunities that are exciting. So I think I have to be open-minded ... but at the same time be able to forecast where I'll be most successful and happiest."

 

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The Suns drafted University of North Carolina point guard Kendall Marshall with the 13th pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, something that could suggest they are preparing for life after Nash.

While Phoenix is in the hunt, it seems unlikely that Nash will return. They are in rebuilding mode and, according to Nash, don't seem prepared to keep him.

FINAL WORD

Steve Nash has a lot of decisions to make.

He can take the money and become the national hero and sign with the Raptors. He could play in the limelight in New York and help them become a viable contender. He could join the Nets as they open in Brooklyn and become the face of the franchise. He could also go back to Dallas and team up with Dirk Nowitzki to chase a championship. Finally, he could re-sign with Phoenix.

All of those options are appealing.

The best bet is that Nash signs with the Raptors or the Mavericks if they don't sign Deron Williams. The Raptors offer the most money, while the Mavericks offer the best chance at a ring.

Nash will have to decide if he wants the money or the championship. 

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