NBA Trade Rumors: Should New York Knicks Be Pursuing Steve Nash?
Whether Suns fans like it or not, Steve Nash's name will be linked to trade rumors until the trade deadline and throughout the summer. The organization can continue to deny it, as they rightfully should, but that won't stop people from speculating.
New York will continue to be listed as one of the top destinations simply because it would reunite Nash with coach D'Antoni and Amar'e Stoudemire. The Knicks have supposedly already inquired about the availability of the Canadian phenom, just in case he does hit the market.
It doesn't hurt that Nash seems to have a genuine love for New York.
On the outset, it may seem like a no-brainer to make any deal that would land the former two-time MVP. However, he may not be the solution to the Knicks' woes.
For: The New York Knicks Become the Phoenix Suns of the East
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For several years, the Phoenix Suns were the most exciting team to watch in the NBA.
The teams up and down, all offense all the time style made for some great basketball.
With the nucleus of Nash, Amar'e and D'Antoni in place, the show would continue, but on the East Coast this time.
Say what you will about Mike D'Antoni's "seven seconds or less" style, but you can't deny that you loved watching them push the pace to breakneck speeds on a nightly basis.
For: Nash Can Run D'Antoni's Offense to Perfection
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Steve knows Mike D'Antoni's offensive system like the back of his hand. After all, he won two MVP awards under the system.
Should he be thrust into the Knicks starting lineup, he should have no trouble fitting right in.
The pick-and-roll is one of the keys to D'Antoni's offense and Nash has mastered the play.
With his precision dribble drive, Steve can cut through defenses and probe them at will. He can make plays happen where others couldn't.
For: He Elevates the Play of Everyone Around Him
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Steve is a rare talent.
He is one of the few players in the league that can truly elevate the play of those around him. The exact type of talent that the Knicks sorely need.
Now, Nash can't make the shots of his teammates for them, but he's able to create opportunities and looks that few players in the league can do.
For: The Knicks Would Be a Lock To Make the Playoffs
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As it stands now, the Knicks are most definitely not a playoff team. They just broke their six-game losing streak and look lost at times on the court.
If Steve were to join the team, he would immediately inject life into the Knicks offense.
The team wouldn't be title contenders, but while a long shot, it's not entirely out of the question that they get home-court advantage during the first round of the postseason.
For: New York Becomes a More Attractive Destination
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The thought of having Steve Nash set you up is sure to entice plenty of players to come play in New York.
The big name that's No. 1 on the Knicks radar is, of course, Carmelo Anthony.
Nash may not be the third piece that Chris Paul once suggested, but he can more than make up as a fill-in.
Against: Nash Is Allergic to Defense
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Nash has long been known for being a defensive liability.
The solution in the past was to simply hope that they could outscore their opponent to mask his—along with his team's—poor defense. However, the way that the team is currently built, it's unlikely that they do that against all of the elite teams on a nightly basis.
The Knicks have made good—but not great—strides this year on the defensive side of the ball, and adding Nash to the mix could potentially derail that progress.
Against: Felton Is Playing Well
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Raymond Felton is more than capable of handling the point guard duties in New York. To some, he has simply met expectations, and to others, he has greatly exceeded them.
While much has been made of Felton's inability to consistently run the pick-and-roll, the Knicks are still an above average team in that department. As Raymond continues to develop chemistry with his teammates—namely Amar'e Stoudemire—it should become second nature to him. Felton showed during their win over the Sacramento Kings that he is capable of successfully running the play with Amar'e.
Felton is somewhere between the second and third tier of point guards. He may not be elite, but he's right up there with the best of them.
Against: The Experiment Didn't Work in Phoenix
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Under D'Antoni's watch, the Suns had many successful years. Steve Nash won two MVP awards and they made deep runs in the playoffs.
But in the end, they always ended up short.
Phoenix made it to the Western Conference Finals twice with D'Antoni at the helm, and once under Alvin Gentry.
The combination of Nash and Stoudemire was lethal, but never enough. There was always a missing piece and they certainly don't have it in New York right now.
Against: It Could Hurt Their Chances of Landing Carmelo Anthony
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If the Suns were to trade Nash, they would undoubtedly demand a lot in return.
Any assets used as potential trade bait would be dealt away and leave the Knicks hanging should Denver ultimately decide that Carmelo cannot be convinced to stay.
New York already has a more than capable point guard in Raymond Felton and Carmelo Anthony would be able to help the team more in the long run.
Of course, if Carmelo were to somehow make it to free agency and sign with the Knicks in the offseason, then this point would be moot. But that is an unlikely scenario.
Against: Nash Is Only a Short-Term Solution
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Steve is 36 and he'll be 37 just before the trade deadline.
Even though Steve is playing at a high level, he's on the decline and he doesn't exactly fit into the Knicks' current youth movement.
This isn't to say that he can't have success in the Big Apple. He just won't be around long enough to make a lasting impact in the city.
