The Los Angeles Lakers have landed Steve Nash in a sign-and-trade with the Phoenix Suns. In exchange for the two-time NBA MVP, the Suns will receive two first round and two second round draft picks plus cash.
The shock move sent Twitter into meltdown, with Lakers fans and bloggers from all over the world claiming their team had have risen to contender status. Amusing really, considering the Lakers’ chances of defending small, scoring guards actually went backwards with this move.
Los Angeles will reportedly pay Nash in excess of $25M over three years in the deal.
While I’m certainly not denying the greatness of “M-V-Steve”, I think the Lakers probably have a couple more desirable moves up their sleeve for this to be considered a master-stroke.
As for Phoenix, they officially begin the re-building phase with the departure of Nash. As always, Steve left the building in a super-classy manner, praising his former employer. It’s unlikely anyone will ever “boo” Steve Nash, ever.
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“For the last 8 seasons I’ve been blessed to play for a team and a city that has embraced me and that I have come to call home. This is a tough business and the only thing constant in life is change.
After talking with (owner) Robert (Sarver) and (president of basketball operations) Lon (Babby) we’ve agreed that it’s time for both of us to move in new directions. I approached them and asked if they would be willing to do a sign and trade deal with L.A. because it is very important to me to stay near my children and family.
They were very apprehensive and didn’t want to do it. Fortunately for me, they reconsidered. They saw that they were able to get assets for their team that will make them better, assets they would not have otherwise had and it made sense for them to do a deal that helps their team get better.
I couldn’t be more grateful to the organization and Robert in particular. I know how hard this was for him and that fact that he was able to help me and my family in this way … it means a lot and says a lot about his character. I will never forget this gesture. Above and beyond.
The Phoenix Suns are an amazing organization and fans should be excited about their future. I hope the Suns win a championship some day soon for all the amazing fans and wonderful people in the organization.” – Steve Nash
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The always classy Steve Nash people.
As much as you (probably) hate the Lakers, you’ve gotta love this guy.
