Phoenix Suns Should Think Of Steve Nash When Trading Amare Stoudemire

Steve Nash could have signed with a contender this summer but he opted to sign an extension with Phoenix Suns. Maybe he likes the weather in Phoenix. Or the fact that they took a chance and drafted him out of Santa Clara, fifteenth in 1996 when he thought getting drafted was a long shot.

Instead of joining the 2010 free agent summer bonanza, Nash opted to sign a two year extension worth $22 million last summer.

Not sure what Nash's thought process was but at the time ESPN reported that Nash could have had a better deal in a sign and trade to Portland. This clearly rules out the age issue.

At 35 Nash is playing at an extremely high level this season which is unusual for a guard his age. His numbers are on par with the years when he won MVP back to back. Normally the productivity of players under 6'10" not named Michael Jordan tail off at this end of their career.

To put things into perspective Nash came into the NBA with, Allen Iverson and Stephon Marbury.

Last year there was a lot of talk of the Suns making a huge mistake lampooning themselves to a 35 year old guard. While others thought although they might not win a championship they would be entertaining to watch. Nash is averaging 18.1 points and leading the NBA in assists (11.1) without Mike D'Antonio's system. The same system many credited for Nash’s MVPs. On top of that he is shooting 51% overall.

As a reward for this the Suns are trying to ship the only other player on that squad that could help them compete for a championship (if the Lakers lost a few more key players to injury).

Currently the rumours are stating that the Suns wish to ‘Gasol’ Amare Stoudemire to the Cavaliers for Zydrunas Ilgauskas and JJ Hickson.

Ilgauskas is seen as an expiring contract but why would Nash want to play with him. It is no coincidence that Nash's numbers are up after Shaquille O'Neal left. A traditional (read slow) center does not work in Phoenix right now.

If they are going to let Stoudemire go, why not get someone established like Chris Bosh in a trade? JJ Hickson might be a stud in waiting, but all that is currently speculation until he has proven that he can be consistent. Toronto are about to lose Bosh for nothing anyway so I am sure they would like this trade. Probably love it if it was the other way around though, Nash to Toronto.

Seeing Nash at the All-stars surrounded by other great players was an eye opener for me. I could not help but think life would be so much easier for the Canadian Sensation if he aligned himself with some real talent.

He has gone on record saying: "I still believe in everybody there (Phoenix suns) and still think we can build a winner."

Not if they get this trade wrong. Like the Warriors sending Jackson away to a non playoff team and getting nothing in return. Only to see him turn that team into a contender, albeit a first round playoff exit. Better than the Warriors though.