NBA Trade Rumors – Steve Nash To Toronto? Canadians Want Legend To Go Back Home But Trade Unlikely As Raptors Want Youth
The dramatic homecoming of Steve Nash to the Toronto Raptors was a fairy tale story last year. As always, the harsh realities of the NBA shot them down.
Nash was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, and the Raptors never had a shot. While Nash is full-blooded Canuck and even heads Canada’s basketball program, the spoils belong to Los Angeles.
The perks of being a Laker and the probable title chase proved too much for Nash to ignore. His time was running out, and he was wary of bringing his 2 MVP awards to the infamous “Best Players who never won a title” list.
Now the rumors sparked by Alex Kennedy of Hoopsworld.
Steve Nash is another vet who may be traded this year. I've heard Toronto as a possible landing spot for Nash from multiple league sources.
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) November 4, 2013
The times they are a-changing in the NBA. The Toronto Raptors are in the crossroads of rebuilding or moving forward, while the mighty Lakers that would give Nash the title he has sorely missed has become the biggest disappointment in recent NBA history.
Is it possible to revisit Nash coming to Toronto? There are two sides who would say “no.” The Toronto Raptors are under new management, and under a lot of pressure. Sentiments may not be in their order of priorities. They are also looking towards the future. While they have acquired Rudy Gay, a certified all-star, they are at the fringes as to rebuild around him.
They are actually looking at another Canadian, Andrew Wiggins, the probable first overall pick next year, to become the face of the franchise. To have a shot at him, the Raptors must reach rock bottom, a place Nash doesn’t want to spend the twilight of his career in.
The Lakers, surprisingly, will also not let this happen. They would have to take extended contracts in return, and the Lakers are also intent on starting over. They would rather keep Nash than lost their flexibility for next year. They want to have options on the free agency list. If they trade for Gay, they have to place all their marbles with him.