NBA Draft 2011: Could Steve Nash Be Dealt in a Draft-Day Trade?
The Phoenix Suns' Steve Nash is a two-time league MVP, seven-time All-Star and three-time First-Team All-NBA.
But it's beginning to seem as if those days are behind him.
So while he may not be the dominant force he was back in 2005 and 2006, Nash still has a a ton of playmaking and distributing left in him. He's still considered a top-10 point guard in the league who can run a team and make a highlight-reel pass like no other.
So where does that put him?
The Suns are looking to rebuild, so as painful as it may be to move fan-favorite Nash out of Phoenix, it's necessary. As good as he and Grant Hill have been playing despite their ages, they're just not contenders anymore.
Other teams though would love to pick up Nash to build their contenders.
With the 2011 NBA Draft rapidly approaching, teams are making big moves, trading picks and players alike.
Nash could very well end up one of those pieces, so here are a few places he could go on a draft-day trade.
Atlanta Hawks
1 of 3
The Atlanta Hawks were able to pick up Kirk Hinrich, a strong defensive point guard, last season.
However, Hinrich isn't necessarily the offensive presence previous guard Mike Bibby was.
While the Hawks' Jeff Teague played well in the postseason, the Hawks would definitely appreciate Steve Nash and his ability to lead an offense.
If the Suns draft Jimmer Fredette, they'll be able to draft the heir to the Nash's point guard throne.
The Hawks would have to give away a key player on their team or possibly a combination of a few, like Jamal Crawford and Kirk Hinrich, or even Teague. In return, they could get Nash and possibly a future draft pick.
Josh Smith, Al Horford and Joe Johnson would give Nash plenty of weapons to work with though, and that would give Atlanta the extra edge that could propel them past the first or second round of the playoffs.
New York Knicks
2 of 3
The New York Knicks made big moves to land Amar'e Stoudemire when they were unable to acquire LeBron James.
They played better, had good chemistry and became a low-key contender. Then they traded for Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups, which instantly turned them into a threat out East.
Come playoff-time though, they were swept by the Boston Celtics in the first round.
If the Knicks were to add a floor general like Steve Nash, things would be a lot different.
Reuniting Nash with coach Mike D'Antoni and Stoudemire would mean D'Antoni's favored style of play would be truly exercised on court. Add Anthony to that, and Nash would be dropping dimes left and right.
It would be a tough mountain to climb though. The main deal that's being thrown around involves Chauncey Billups and a few young players from their roster. While the Suns could definitely appreciate the former NBA Finals MVP, this deal is a tough sell.
The Knicks would probably need to get a third party involved, but anything is possible.
Minnesota Timberwolves
3 of 3
This one seems a bit off, especially with Ricky Rubio arriving in the United States relatively soon.
The thing is though, Rubio may not be ready to be the floor general quite yet.
The T-Wolves could get Nash to help Rubio develop, especially since they have a similar pass-first type of game. Nash could end up showing Rubio the ropes, maybe splitting the minutes with him, as well as leading the young Wolves toward a playoff push.
Rubio is meant to be Minnesota's point guard, but given that he took his time coming over, maybe he's not ready just yet.
Minnesota would probably trade away Jonny Flynn (who they have been shopping around), as well as a guy like Anthony Randolph, plus a future draft pick.
They could possibly seal the deal if they were to include their No. 2 pick, but that seems unlikely for the aging Nash. You never know though.
