NBA Free-Agency Rumors: Highlighting Top Contenders for PG Steve Nash

Time is running out in the hunt for free agent point guard Steve Nash.

The two-time MVP will turn 39 next season, but is still one of the most efficient players in the NBA, averaging 12.5 points and 10.7 assists per game last season while shooting a scorching 53 percent from the field.

Nash's game hasn't gone anywhere, and teams around the league are taking notice. Here we highlight the top contenders to acquire Steve Nash this summer. 

Toronto Raptors

The Toronto Raptors, at least for now, look to be the favorite to land Steve Nash this summer. The Raptors can offer Nash the luxury of playing in his home country of Canada, and they have offered up a great deal of money. That is, $36 million over three years, according to ESPN.com's Marc Stein.

Toronto may be able to convince Nash that they can contend in the watered-down Eastern Conference, but Nash is no dummy, and will likely want to avoid having to get through the Miami Heat in the initial rounds of the playoffs. 

If Nash is looking for money and a shot at ending his career in Canada in a similar rebuilding situation to what he has witnessed in Phoenix over the past two seasons, then Toronto is the destination for him. 

New York Knicks

The Knicks' pursuit of Steve Nash took a big blow on Tuesday, when ESPN.com's Marc Stein reported that shooting guard Landry Fields reached a verbal agreement with the Raptors on a three-year deal in the ballpark of $20 million.

If New York doesn't match the offer sheet shortly after the signing period begins on July 11, they will lose a huge piece they certainly planned on using in a potential sign-and-trade with the Suns in order to pick up Nash.

ESPN NBA writer Jared Zwerling explained the situation via Twitter on Tuesday:

"

A note about Fields: If he signs the offer sheet with Toronto, #Knicks can't sign-&-trade him & if NYK matches, they still can't trade him.

— Jared Zwerling (@JaredZwerling) July 3, 2012"

The Knicks can still offer the veteran a chance to play in the Big Apple with two other superstars in Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire, but can they really expect Nash to buy into an awkward system for very little money?

Dallas Mavericks

According to ESPN.com's Marc Stein and HoopsWorld's Alex Kennedy, the Dallas Mavericks are expected to make a run at Nash, who played six seasons in Dallas from 1998 to 2004:

"

The Dallas Mavericks are expected to turn their attention to Steve Nash. If they swing and miss on Nash, they'll take a look at Jeremy Lin.

— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) July 3, 2012"

With Deron Williams reportedly reaching an agreement with the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday, Dallas is growing desperate to fill the void at point guard this summer. According to Stein, Jeremy Lin is also on the Mavs' radar. 

Dallas should be considered a real contender in the Nash sweepstakes, however, as they can offer the Canadian superstar a chance to compete for a championship alongside his good friend Dirk Nowitzki.

Los Angeles Lakers

According to TNT's David Aldridge, the LA Lakers have begun a push to acquire long-time rival Steve Nash:

"

As Raptors, Knicks & Mavs-fight 4 Steve Nash, the Lakers have also quietly entered the picture & are making a hard push, per league source.

— David Aldridge (@daldridgetnt) July 4, 2012"

The Lakers' struggles at point guard have been long documented. That being said, bringing Nash in to run the show with Kobe Bryant and a pair of seven-footers at his disposal (for now) seems almost unfair.

Although LA is ready to compete for a title right now, Nash may not have the same level of interest in the Lakers as some other teams around the league, according to a tweet by HoopsWorld's Alex Kennedy:

"

 

Let's not forget, Steve Nash was recently quoted as saying, "For me, it would be hard to put on a Lakers jersey. That’s just the way it is."

— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) July 4, 2012"

Like the Knicks, the Lakers should certainly be considered a dark horse to sign Nash this summer.

Follow Bleacher Report Featured Columnist Patrick Clarke on Twitter For More Reaction on 2012 NBA Free Agency.