The New York Knicks and Phoenix Suns are reportedly working on a sign-and-trade deal that would deliver Steve Nash to the Knicks.
According to ESPN a deal had not been struck by 1 p.m. ET although the Knicks are ready to accept Steve Nash and the Suns’ are clearly interested in obtaining the services of Iman Shumpert.
A source close to trade talks says of the deal:
“The Knicks don’t want to trade (Shumpert), but they will if they have to. They want Nash.”
A deal with the Knicks would pay Steve Nash $25 million over the next three years while the Phoenix Suns would get their hands on Shumbert, Toney Douglas, Josh Harrellson and Jerome Jordan.
If the deal isn’t completed during this go around the Knicks may recruit a third team to help facilitate a blockbuster trade among multiple NBA organizations.
The hunt for a Steve Nash contract is not by far over, the Toronto Raptors have a three-year bid on the table for $36 million while the Dallas Mavericks could bring him back now that Deron Williams has decided to stick with the Brooklyn Nets.
Also interested in a potential trade are the Los Angeles Lakers, however sources close to that deal say the Suns are skeptical about sending an MVP caliber player to a division rival.
Steve Nash in the meantime has said he is “open to anything” which means it could be less about money and more about attempting to grab another champsionship or three before he eventually retires. With Nash quickly approaching 40-years-old this could be his last hurrah.