Steve Nash Trade Rumors: 12 Players Phoenix Could Land in a Deal
With each passing day it's becoming more and more clear that the Phoenix Suns are likely not going to make it to the postseason this year, and even if they do they won't be a factor. They have a number of problems on their hands and no quick fixes to handle all these issues.
All this raises an interesting question, that the Suns have at least talked about internally: Would they trade Steve Nash?
He is still their franchise player and playing at a high level, averaging 18 points and nearly 11 assists per game, but what does it mean if they aren't winning games?
The Suns haven't been able to play defense for the better part of a decade. They don't score like they used to, even though they do lead the league in scoring at 109 points per game, they don't have that same quality that they used to five years ago when they were winning 55-60 games a season.
So would they trade Steve Nash and rebuild the franchise?
Here is a look at 12 potential players that the Suns could get back in a trade if they were to move the former NBA MVP.
These are deals that would work out for both teams, not just one team or another. Some of the trades involve players who might not necessarily be available but it does make sense on both sides.
If you agree or disagree hit the comments section and let me know why I am crazy.
Carmelo Anthony, Denver Nuggets
1 of 7
This deal would be complicated because Denver has Chauncey Billups at the point. Carmelo is leaving Denver at the end of the year, so why not try something crazy to bring something back to Denver?
Plus for Denver they would likely have to flip either Nash or Billups. Both guys have tremendous value and some teams would pay a lot to get either one, certainly more than Melo would bring in my opinion.
Andre Iguodala and Evan Turner, Philadelphia 76ers
2 of 7
The 76ers should go into full-blown rebuild mode. They should try and trade for a lot of young pieces to add to their team as soon as possible. They should do a lot of things.
However, they could try and bring in a superstar to excite the fans. They could trade their best player, Andre Iguodala, and a talented, albeit very raw, Evan Turner. Iguodala is 10 years younger than Nash and is still a dynamic player.
Phoenix gets two good young players and Philly gets someone that the city can rally behind.
Marcin Gortat and Jameer Nelson, Orlando Magic
3 of 7
This is probably the most realistic scenario that I have. Orlando is in desperate need of a scorer and someone who can get assists. Nash can do both of those things extremely well. They have defense but lack explosion on offense to compete with the big boys.
Phoenix would get a really productive big man, who is stuck behind Dwight Howard in Orlando. Jameer Nelson is a solid, albeit unspectacular, point guard. The Suns need a lot of size on their team right now. They rank 28th in the league in rebounding.
Stephen Curry and David Lee, Golden State
4 of 7
The Suns love to run up and down the court as much as any team. Golden State loves to run up and down the court as well. The two systems matchup, so if Phoenix were so inclined they could offer Nash to Golden State for Stephen Curry and David Lee.
Golden State would not likely part with these guys in a deal. However, if you were to offer them a two-time NBA MVP wouldn’t they at least stop and consider it? Besides, Phoenix can ask for whomever they want for Steve Nash. He is still an elite point guard after all.
Josh Smith and Marvin Williams, Atlanta Hawks
5 of 7
Atlanta has been a good team for the last two years. They play solid basketball and beat on the bad teams in the NBA. However, they lack that certain something when competing with the good teams like the Lakers, Celtics, Heat, etc.
Acquiring Nash would give them a real leader on and off the floor. Someone the guys can turn to when times are rough.
For Phoenix, they get one of the most dynamic young talents in the game in Josh Smith. Plus, they get some size on the inside in Marvin Williams, who has been a disappointment for Atlanta. That Phoenix system seems to make players look really good, maybe it could work for him.
Devin Harris and Derrick Favors (plus Picks), New Jersey Nets
6 of 7
If the Nets were willing to give up these guys for Carmelo Anthony, why not give them for Steve Nash? The Nets really want to make some kind of splash to ignite their fan base and get people excited about Nets basketball. They need someone with the talents of a Steve Nash. They need a guy who can lead, a guy who can inspire with his play on the court. They need something on that team to get excited about.
Harris is a very good, young point guard who has been stuck in neutral in New Jersey. His talents haven’t played well there because the team is so bad. Give him a chance on a team with weapons and he can be great.
Derrick Favors is very young and talented inside presence that the Suns need to find. They had it with A’mare Stoudemire, but he went to New York. Favors can be the next A’mare in Phoenix.
Raymond Felton, New York Knicks
7 of 7
Before Suns fans scoff, take a look at the numbers that Felton is putting up this season. He is averaging almost 19 points and nine assists per game with the Knicks. He is shooting the ball from the field almost as well as Nash (Felton 46 percent, Nash 51 percent). He is a better three-point shooter (Felton 37 percent, Nash 33 percent). He is 10 years younger and has room to improve his game still.
For Nash, it would be a reunion of the old Suns teams with Nash, A’mare Stoudemire, and head coach Mike D’Antoni. The Knicks love to make noise and for the first time in a long time they are actually relevant.
This could be the kind of splash that gives the Knicks those front page headlines that they need and love in New York.
