NBA Free Agency 2012: Where Will Steve Nash Go if He Isn't Traded Next Season?
Steve Nash has been rumored to be on his way out of Phoenix for several years now, and he could be on the move in a year.
There are rumors Nash could be traded during the upcoming draft or even during the offseason, but Suns management needs to see the importance Nash has to the team. He controls everything on offense and, along with Grant Hill, is the veteran voice in the locker room.
That being said, there is still a high possibility the Suns decide to rebuild and either trade Nash or let him go in free agency. Read on to see some possible destinations for Nash if the Suns decide to let him walk in free agency.
Atlanta Hawks
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The Atlanta Hawks have long been rumored to be a possible destination for Nash and have long coveted a solid starting point guard. Currently the Hawks have Kirk Hinrich and Jeff Teague as their point guards. Both are decent players but not championship caliber.
Steve Nash could give the Hawks a downright scary starting lineup and would instantly improve the team dramatically. Imagine a starting lineup of Nash, Joe Johnson, Marvin Williams, Josh Smith and Al Horford: They could definitely challenge the better teams in the Eastern Conference.
Dallas Mavericks
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Could we see Nash in one of these uniforms again? Possibly.
Mavericks owner Mark Cuban is not shy about making a huge splash, and signing Nash would qualify as such. Nash would be able to play with his good friend Dirk Nowitzki and could possibly win the elusive championship with Dallas.
There are a couple potential snags in Nash signing with Dallas, such as the improvement of Rodrique Beaubois. Regardless, it would be very interesting to see Nash back in Dallas.
Minnesota Timberwolves
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Since these are all possible (maybe not probable) destinations of where Nash could end up, why not include the Minnesota Timberwolves in the conversation of possible destinations?
Minnesota was rumored to be thinking about trading for Nash during the trade deadline, and maybe it will go after Nash in free agency.
While Minnesota seems like a very unlikely destination, what if the team builds a solid team around superstar Kevin Love and Nash goes to Minnesota to help bring the team back? It's a possibility.
Portland Trail Blazers
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Starting point guard Andre Miller could be on his way out of Portland either after this year or next, and you know the Trail Blazers would love to have Steve Nash.
Nash would be responsible for getting all the young studs involved and, if needed, he could provide solid scoring. Imagine a lineup of Nash, Brandon Roy (when and if he becomes healthy), Gerald Wallace, LaMarcus Aldridge and Marcus Camby. That doesn't even include Wesley Matthews and Nicolas Batum, who would both come off the bench. Add in a couple solid backup big men, and the Trail Blazers could be very good.
Miami Heat
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Would Steve Nash really go to the Miami Heat in 2012? If he wants a championship, then it could certainly happen. Miami has long wanted a starting point guard and currently has an aging Mike Bibby starting. Something's telling me they would welcome Nash with open arms.
Nash would be the perfect point guard to start on the Heat. He is very unselfish and doesn't need to score to impact a game. He would be responsible for getting LeBron, D-Wade and Bosh open, and would be excellent at it most likely.
The Heat would be my pick for 2012-2013 NBA champion if they could pick up Nash, a dependable starting center and several role players for their bench. They would simply be too good with Nash.
New York Knicks
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If you think Nash would not strongly consider re-joining forces with former coach Mike D'Antoni and former sidekick Amar'e Stoudemire, then something is wrong with you. That being said, I'm not saying Nash is going to New York, but rather that he would strongly consider the possibility of playing there.
I'm sure D'Antoni would love to have back the point guard he had the most success with and who won two MVP awards with him. My guess is that D'Antoni would be down right giddy if he got Nash back.
With Nash at the helm, the Knicks would then have a three-headed monster that could rival the best in the league. Throw in Landry Fields, Toney Douglas and other role players, and the team would have potential to be very good.
Plus, this could be the best destination for Nash since the Knicks' defensive scheme is similar to the one the Suns currently employ.
Orlando Magic
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The Orlando Magic have long been rumored as a possible destination for Nash, and it seems like it could happen. There has been lots of talk about whether the Magic need a better point guard than Jameer Nelson and if Nash could be the guy to replace him.
If the Magic could get more dependable big men, specifically a backup for Dwight Howard, then the addition of Nash could be the piece to put them over the top. He provides so much and would get plenty of assists by passing to Dwight Howard.
Also, Nash to Howard could finally help Dwight get over the hump and win the MVP award or maybe even the title.
Phoenix Suns
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Would seeing Steve Nash re-up with the Phoenix Suns be a major surprise? Personally, I feel like most people think he will leave if he isn't traded. I think there is a high probability he could leave, but if the Suns improve next year, then Nash could have added incentive to stay in the desert.
Nash has said he loves the city and doesn't want to be anywhere else, but if he could win a title somewhere else, would he?
I've followed Nash's career in Phoenix very closely and I'm inclined to say that he could most definitely come back, if he isn't traded. He is extremely loyal and has stuck with the Suns through thick and thin. It wouldn't surprise me if he stayed and at the same time, it wouldn't surprise me if he left to try for a title, since he is almost done with his career.
Either way Nash will make the decision that best supports himself and his family. Hopefully it's with the Suns though!
