Steve Nash to the Magic: Guide to How the Move Would Work

Steve Nash has not been mentioned as a potential trade target for the Orlando Magic.

However, if the Phoenix Suns were to ever explore the possibility of trading the two-time MVP, as the franchise is clearly in a rebuilding phase, the Magic should be the first team knocking down the Suns' door in an effort to land him onto the roster.

Is he a long-term answer for the club? No.

However, he does represent a reason for Dwight Howard to strongly consider a future in Orlando, and he would certainly make the team a more attractive one to join via free agency.

It's amazing how little talent the team has surrounded Howard with at this point, and with his impending free agency looming in 2012, the team is going to be in a terrible position if he bolts to another team.

Let's take a look at how this speculation could turn into reality.

How It Would Have to Happen: Trade

With Nash signed through the 2011-12 season at a shade under $12 million, his expiring contract will be one that some clubs will value highly on the trade market.

For the Magic, it's a move that has to be made.

It's not a knock on Jameer Nelson, who has two seasons remaining on his deal, but Orlando is going to be notably worse if Howard doesn't feel any reason to re-sign with the team.

As mentioned, he's not a long-term answer to the problem of surrounding Howard with talent, but he's certainly a major help.

He won't play another 10 seasons, and no, he may not even play another five, but if his presence (along with some additional talent) can convince Howard he has a reason to blaze his own path in Orlando, anything the team could potentially give up would be worth it.

We're talking about a franchise center in a league that is void of talented big men, and Howard has the potential to assert himself as one of the most physically dominant players to ever grace the hardwood.

Potential Trade: Three-team trade

Orlando Receives: PG Steve Nash

The Magic get their man, and despite the club having to give up a couple of future draft selections, neither should be high enough where the team would regret its decision to part with them.

Toronto Receives: PG Jameer Nelson, C Robin Lopez

The Raptors rid of Calderon, and the addition of Nelson allows the team to explore some unorthodox lineups as Toronto looks to build a team identity.

While Lopez is certainly not a gem by any means, he does give the Raptors some much-needed size down low, and his expiring deal will serve as financial relief going forward.

Phoenix Receives: PG Jose Calderon, PF Ryan Anderson, future first round pick, second round pick from Orlando

The Suns get a point guard very capable of playing within the Phoenix offense, another outside shooter in Anderson who provides for even greater size along the front line, as well as multiple draft picks to reload for the future as the rebuilding process continues.

How Nash Fits with the Magic

Nash would be an excellent addition to the Magic, and the team could run one of the most unstoppable pick and roll combinations in the entire league.

There's a lot to like about what he brings to the table for Orlando, and as a team that is designed to live and die by its ability to hit from long-range as well as thrive off of Howard's contributions, Nash's unorthodox style of play could prove to be a major facilitator toward unlocking the club's truest potential.

Although his inclusion on the team wouldn't mean that the Magic would automatically soar, Nelson's style of play at the point guard position is one that's best suited for a team that could actually use his offensive production.

Orlando needs an offensive facilitator who raises the level of play of his teammates around him on the court, and that just isn't something we've seen from Nelson or any other point guard.

Chances of Magic Winning a Championship with Nash

Let's be realistic: it's going to take more than Nash and Howard to win a title in an improving Eastern Conference.

Nash is absurdly talented with the ball in his hands, and he would be an excellent running mate alongside Howard, but it's going to take more than a two-man game to emerge as favorites over Miami and Chicago.

It would add an exciting element to the Magic offense that has been void of it, but by no means would it ensure a successful title shot, something that Nash has clamored for throughout his career.

The move to bring Nash into town would undoubtedly make the Magic more competitive, and would definitely add some intrigue as to the club's chances of potentially emerging from the conference.

But would it make the team one that should be considered real, legitimate championship contenders?

Not by itself.