Steve Nash: 10 NBA Trade Scenarios That Make Sense
Steve Nash might be on the block, so it's time to take a look at ten NBA trade scenarios that make sense.
It's pure speculation at this point whether or not the 36-year-old, two-time MVP could be on the move in the near future. But the Phoenix Suns are off to a slow start at 3-4, and the window seems to have closed on a championship run for Nash and anyone else leftover from the Suns' recent glory days.
In other words, sitting here and taking a shot at playing matchmaker could be more worthwhile than you might think.
Start the slideshow for a list of possibilities that would be a good fit for the Suns and Nash.
10. Indiana Pacers
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With Darren Collison in just his second season, and first with Indiana to boot, I'm going to say right away that this is a huge long shot.
But with the Pacers currently sitting in second place in what is a relatively weak Central Division, maybe they'll decide that they could do worse things than making a push for Nash.
The move would give them a point guard who's a fine answer for Derrick Rose. Perhaps not defensively, of course, but certainly in the realm of offense and leadership.
But this is about as far as I can stretch the speculative chatter, so I'm going to put it at the bottom of the list.
9. Toronto Raptors
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The Raptors are a pretty dismal team, and the point guard position is just one of several spots that could use a facelift.
Both Jose Calderon and Jarrett Jack average fewer assists per game than Nash, and the Raptors as a whole are towards the bottom of the league in the same category.
But this is a stretch. At 1-7, the Raptors aren't going anywhere and have little incentive to bring Nash aboard. Moreover, they have little to offer the Suns.
Nevertheless, one supposes that a native Canadian like Nash wouldn't be too opposed to playing in his home country. But then again, it's not really up to him, is it?
8. Denver Nuggets
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Maybe the Nuggets will decide that they may as well go all out while Melo is still in town. That is, after all, the big issue, yes?
With respect to Chauncey Billups, Nash is a better player, and could probably do more for the team if he were to be acquired.
But it's what to do with Billups that's the problem. The Suns wouldn't want him and his big contract, and he's not the kind of guy you want riding the pine.
Factor in the fact that the Nuggets are also in the West, and this is a real longshot.
7. Minnesota Timberwolves
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The sight of Luke Ridnour and Sebastian Telfair should precipitate a shrug, and at times even a cringe.
Among other things, the T-Wolves need a good point guard. They're second to last in the league in assists with 16.4 per game. Adding Nash wouldn't solve their woes, but he certainly wouldn't add to them either.
But who to trade? Do the Wolves have anything that could entice the Suns into trading Nash within the conference?
There's the problem, as they really don't have any pieces that other teams can't top.
6. Miami Heat
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If the Heat find a way to acquire Nash, then it would officially be unfair.
Getting Nash would give the Heat four players who can make an explosive play at any given time, and would probably be especially helpful in getting Chris Bosh back among the elite performers at the power forward position.
The only real problem here is whether or not the Heat can offer anything that the Suns would jump on. Would the Suns take Carlos Arroyo or Mario Chalmers, or would they demand Mike Miller?
5. Oklahoma City Thunder
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The Thunder have arguably the best young core in the league, and Nash is probably the most perfect veteran they could ask for to throw into the mix with Kevin Durant and friends.
The Thunder do have a couple of young players they could offer the Suns, which is likely what they would prefer. James Harden, for example, would be a good chip.
But the biggest hangup is whether or not the Suns want to deal Nash to one of the West's most serious contenders. You have to think they would rather not if it comes to trading Nash.
4. New York Knicks
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You have to imagine Nash would be quite thrilled about this one, as it would reunite him with Amar'e Stoudemire and Mike D'Antoni. That was a good trio for many years, finishing first in the Pacific Division three times and going to the Conference Finals twice.
A trade for Nash probably wouldn't make the Knicks serious contenders right away. But if this move ends up preceding an acquisition of Carmelo Anthony in the offseason, then the Knicks officially have something special.
Raymond Felton and Wilson Chandler would be good trade options, plus a throw-in or two if the Suns so desire.
3. Atlanta Hawks
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The Hawks are a rising power in the East, but you have to wonder just how far they're going to go with Mike Bibby clogging up the point guard position. He's averaging just 3.4 assists per game, significantly fewer than Joe Johnson.
It already seems like Johnson too often assumes the point guard role. Acquiring Nash would naturally allow him to play off the ball more, which definitely suits him better.
But who to trade? Well, it would probably take Jamal Crawford and a spare part or two, which could fly if the Suns are indeed looking to throw in the towel and start rebuilding.
2. Orlando Magic
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Give Nash a dynamic big man, and he'll take you places.
What's scary about this scenario is that we don't really know how good Dwight Howard can be with an elite point guard.
Indeed, Nash would add a whole new dimension to the Magic offense. With him, they'll no longer be just Howard inside and a bunch of three-point shooters. With Nash and Howard on the same, the pick-and-roll possibilities are epic.
The Magic tried to offload Jameer Nelson for Chris Paul over the summer. Maybe they'll try to unload him on the Suns in a deal.
1. No Trade
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Right now, this is the most obvious scenario. Phoenix head coach Alvin Gentry says he's not going to be traded, and Nash himself isn't really convinced by all the speculation.
"My personal opinion is it's a lot of chatter," he said, "not really substantial."
And he's right. It is a lot of chatter. In fact, what do you think we're doing right now?
That being said, it is a long season, and any plans that are holding true after seven games might not hold true after 20 or 30.
If the February 24th trade deadline starts to loom with the Suns well out of the race, they might decide that jettisoning Nash is indeed the proper course of action. And rest assured, there will be plenty of suitors.
