Steve Nash Rumors: Report Says Lakers, Suns Agree To Deal

The Steve Nash chase is over. Marc Stein of ESPN reported, via KTAR-AM in Phoenix, on Wednesday evening that the Phoenix Suns have agreed to a sign-and-trade deal with the Los Angeles Lakers for Nash. Phoenix will receive a handful of future draft picks for the trade.

Just going up online & via SportsCenter: Sources say Suns have consented to sign-and-trade Steve Nash to Lakers for package of future picks

— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 5, 2012

That means the New York Knicks and the Toronto Raptors are out of the mix for Nash. Reports surfaced Wednesday afternoon that the Knicks were in the "critical stages" of trade talks for Nash. Those same reports pegged Nash's contract in the neighborhood of $27-30 million.

For more on rumors and news about the Knicks and Steve Nash, check back to this SB Nation New York StoryStream. Meanwhile, SB Nation's blog Posting And Toasting is all about the Knicks.

Steve Nash Rumors 2012: New York Knicks, Phoenix Suns In 'Critical Stages' Of Trade Talks, According To Report

The New York Knicks and Phoenix Suns are in the "critical stages" of discussions to bring Steve Nash to the Knicks, according to a report from Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports.

The Knicks would be offering a package of Iman Shumpert, Toney Douglas and three "low-money players," according to Wojnarowski. The trade would reportedly allow them to offer Nash a deal in the three-year, $27-30 million range.

New York had reportedly been hesitant to include Shumpert in any sign-and-trade for Nash, but have apparently decided that the short-term impact of Nash outweighs the long-term benefits of Shumpert's potential.

Nash, 37, averaged 12.5 points and 10.7 assists last season and remains one of the NBA's best point guards despite his advanced age.

For more on rumors and news about the Knicks and Steve Nash, check back to this SB Nation New York StoryStream. Meanwhile, SB Nation's blog Posting And Toasting is all about the Knicks.

Steve Nash Rumors 2012: New York Knicks Offer Iman Shumpert In Sign-And-Trade, According To Report

The New York Knicks have offered Iman Shumpert to the Phoenix Suns in a sign-and-trade designed to bring Steve Nash to the Big Apple, according to Marc Stein of ESPN.

The package would also include other pieces as the Knicks attempt to lure Nash, the two-time MVP.

The Knicks had been interested in including Landry Fields in a sign-and-trade to land Nash, but Fields put a wrench into those plans by signing an offer sheet with the Toronto Raptors. The Knicks were reportedly hesitant to include the talented Shumpert in the deal, but have apparently decided to do so.

New York is still interested in retaining Jeremy Lin, who is perusing other options as a restricted free agent. They have long been interested in Nash, who averaged 12.5 points and 10.7 assists and remains one of the NBA's top point guards even at age 37.

The Los Angeles Lakers are also reportedly interested in acquiring Nash via trade, and the Toronto Raptors have already offered him a large contract worth in the vicinity of $36 million over three years.

For more on rumors and news about the Knicks and Steve Nash, check back to this SB Nation New York StoryStream. Meanwhile, SB Nation's blog Posting And Toasting is all about the Knicks.

Steve Nash Rumors 2012: Lakers Now Pursuing Point Guard

The Los Angeles Lakers have reportedly entered the bidding for Phoenix Suns point guard Steve Nash. David Aldridge of NBA.com reports that, similar to the New York Knicks, the Lakers might be willing to offer the veteran an exception beginning at $3.09 million per season.

With $83 million in payroll next season, the Lakers aren't as flexible as the Knicks or the Toronto Raptors.

The Knicks chance to sign Nash was made for difficult Wednesday when Landry Fields signed an offer sheet with Toronto. The Knicks were rumored to be pursuing a sign-and-trade with Phoenix in order to pay Nash more than the $3.09 million exception. Fields was to be the centerpiece of that proposed deal.The Raptors can offer more money, but if Nash wants to play for a contender the Lakers are a much more palatable option.

For more on rumors and news about the Knicks and Steve Nash, check back to this SB Nation New York StoryStream. Meanwhile, SB Nation's blog Posting And Toasting is all about the Knicks.

Steve Nash Rumors 2012: New York Knicks' Chances Might Be Dead Because Of Landry Fields' Agreement With Toronto Raptors

The New York Knicks' chances of landing prized free agent Steve Nash might have taken a deathly blow on Tuesday with Landry Fields reportedly committing to a three-year offer sheet with the Toronto Raptors, reports Ken Berger of CBS Sports.

Knicks getting Steve Nash in sign-and-trade was "on life support" before, source says. Fields' agreement with Raps may have "killed it."

— Ken Berger (@KBergCBS) July 3, 2012

The Knicks are interested in acquiring Nash via a sign-and-trade with the Phoenix Suns, and Fields was one of the trade chips that could have made such a deal work. But Fields agreeing to a three-year offer sheet expected to make him in the vicinity of $20 million might have killed whatever slim chances the sign-and-trade scenario had. The Knicks simply don't have many other players to include in a trade.

For more on rumors and news about the Knicks and Steve Nash, check back to this SB Nation New York StoryStream. Meanwhile, SB Nation's blog Posting And Toasting is all about the Knicks.

Steve Nash Free Agency Rumors 2012: New York Knicks Meet With Nash, Discuss Sign-And-Trade Possibilities, According To Report

The New York Knicks are exploring multiple avenues to acquire Steve Nash, including a sign-and-trade deal that could potentially allow the Knicks to offer Nash up to $8 million per season, according to Marc Berman of the New York Post.

Berman reports that Nash visited the Knicks' practice facility in Greenburgh, N.Y., for a tour and three-hour meeting on Sunday, during which they discussed the possibilities of a sign-and-trade deal with the Phoenix Suns.

Finding a workable sign-and-trade would be crucial to New York's pursuit of Nash, since they can only offer the mini mid-level exception starting at $3.09 million otherwise.

The Toronto Raptors are reportedly willing to offer Nash a three-year, $36 million deal which the Knicks cannot match. But New York can offer him several other draws, including the chance to play in New York (where Nash lives during the offseason) and a team expected to be considerably more competitive than Toronto's.

Possibilities to be moved in a sign-and-trade for Nash include Dan Gadzuric, Landry Fields, Toney Douglas and Jerome Jordan. If they can't acquire Nash, the Knicks are likely to target Jason Kidd or Raymond Felton.

For more on rumors and news about the Knicks and Steve Nash, check back to this SB Nation New York StoryStream. Meanwhile, SB Nation's blog Posting And Toasting is all about the Knicks.

Knicks Free Agency 2012: New York Still Trying To Bring In Steve Nash

The New York Knicks may not have the money other teams can offer Steve Nash, but give them credit for being dogged in their attempt to land the future Hall-of Famer.

According to the New York Post, New York is still in discussions with the Phoenix Suns in an attempt to make a sign-and-trade work. If the Knicks and Suns were able to work something of that nature out, New York could potentially dole out an offer that would pay Nash just north of $8 million per year.

It was rumored the Toronto Raptors set the market for Nash on Sunday when they proposed a three-year, $36 million contract. However, whether or not that happened is now a matter of opinion. Regardless the Raptors are a non-contender, so how much less would Nash be willing to take for one last shot at a championship?

It will be a tough mountain to climb for the Knicks, who simply don't have nearly the assets to offer Nash.

For more on the Knicks, please be sure to check out our blog Posting and Toasting along with SB Nation New York for all the latest news and updates.

Steve Nash Free Agency Rumors: Knicks Trying To Workout Sign-And-Trade; Raptors Offer $10 Million Per Year

The New York Knicks may not have the best odds to land veteran point guard and free agent Steve Nash, but the Knicks are willing to try and do anything to make them competitive in negotiations. According to the latest reported rumor by New York Post writer Marc Berman, New York is trying to talk with Nash and his representatives to work out a sign-and-trade deal with the Phoenix Suns.

If all parties are able to make a sign-and-trade work, Nash will make $5 million per year with the Knicks. That offer, however, is well below the three-year, $36-million deal the Toronto Raptors are reportedly offering Nash.

All-in-all, if Nash were to choice the Knicks over the Raptors it will be because he feels New York is closer to winning a championship than Toronto and winning is more important than money. Whether that is the logic Nash is using is yet to be seen.

For more on rumors and news about the Knicks and Steve Nash, check back to this SB Nation New York StoryStream. Meanwhile, SB Nation's blog Posting And Toasting is all about the Knicks.

Steve Nash Free Agency Rumors: Knicks Setup Meeting With Point Guard

The NBA free agency period began early Sunday morning, and already the New York Knicks are trying to covet veteran point guard Steve Nash. According to a report by the New York Post's Marc Berman, the Knicks called the former MVP soon after free agency opened up at 12:01 a.m. ET to setup a meeting.

Nash said he hoped to host a few teams in New York Sunday and Monday. A Raptors contingent reportedly was flying into the Big Apple this morning.Nash has never been to the Knicks’ Tarrytown facility and probably would like to test the commute.

Nash is worth in the $10M range, which the Knicks can't match, but they do have the assets to work out a sign-and-trade for over $6M at virtually no cost to the Phoenix Suns. Knicks would like to meet with Nash first to outline this plan so he can consider it against the bigger money deals.

2012 NBA Free Agency: Steve Nash Can Expect Knicks Call On Sunday, According To Report

Steve Nash Free Agency Rumors: Says Money Will Be A Factor

Steve Nash, one of the premier players available on the NBA free-agent market this summer, will have many suitors. The New York Knicks, of course are one of them. Nash appeared on ESPN Radio New York Monday with Stephen A. smith and Ryan Ruocco.

Nash said there are many factors to consider in his decision, but that money "has to be one of the factors."

"I have to put all those factors, financial, family, environment, ability to win ... no one factor goes above the other," Nash said. "You have to be really careful and try to make a sound decision."

Nash said he is "open to everything," including joining the Knicks.

"I'm legitimately in a position where I really don't know what offers are out there," Nash said. "Whose gonna come calling and what are they going to put on the table?"

Nash, 38, is a 16-year veteran who is likely headed to the NBA Hall of Fame. He said he would like to play for another three years. "I still think I can do it at an extremely high level," Nash said.

NBA free agency begins Sunday, July 1.

-- See Posting and Toasting for more about the Knicks

Steve Nash Free Agency Rumors: New York Knicks, Nash Not A Match?

Not so fast on those Steve Nash to the New York Knicks rumors. Despite Nash's recent comment that he would "definitely consider" the Knicks, a report today indicates that at least one person close to Nash thinks that is a bunch of hogwash.

From the New York Post:

"The confidant said Nash doesn't really believe the Knicks are close enough to a title to take less money and didn't like how former coach Mike D'Antoni, his buddy from Phoenix, was treated. Nash will get offers for more than $5 million, especially from Phoenix."

Many consider Nash, a two-time MVP and one of the best passing point guards to ever play, the perfect player to bring some continuity to the dysfunctional Knicks offense. The 38-year-old Nash, though, will have plenty of teams to choose from. It may turn out that the Knicks need Nash more than he needs them, so don't count on seeing him team with Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire next season.

-- See Posting and Toasting for more about the Knicks

Steve Nash Rumors 2012: Nash Says He'd 'Definitely Consider' New York Knicks

Free agent point guard Steve Nash said Wednesday that he will be interested in the New York Knicks if they pursue him this summer.

Nash, speaking at a promotional appearance in Manhattan, said the Knicks would appeal to him because they are a great franchise located in his hometown.

Via ESPN New York:

"The Knicks are a great franchise and I live in New York City (each summer), so I'd definitely consider them if they were interested," the Phoenix Suns' mainstay said.

Despite being 38 years old, Nash averaged 12.5 points and 10.7 assists this past year while shooting 53.2 percent from the field and 39.0 percent from the three-point arc. The two-time NBA MVP says he thinks he'll play for another two or three seasons.

The Knicks are unlikely to have much money to spend on Nash, as they will likely be limited to veteran minimum contract offers this summer.

The Dallas Mavericks, Brooklyn Nets and Miami Heat could all show interest in Nash this summer, and several other contenders could be interested in adding the eight-time All-Star. Nash said he enters free agency open to all possibilities.

For more on the Knicks, visit the SB Nation blog Posting and Toasting.

Steve Nash Rumors: New York Knicks Should Go Hard After Nash

Steve Nash is a free agent this summer. Amare Stoudemire wants him in New York. Can the Knicks get their man?