Don’t think it was an easy decision for Steve Nash to leave the Phoenix Suns. It’s all speculative, but I don’t think Nash is the kind of guy who simply puts 8 years of being in a place and connecting to fans and citizens behind him easily. But like it or not, Steve Nash will be a Los Angeles Lakers player next season.
The Suns weren’t so crazy about letting him go, obviously. They’ve never had a two-time MVP winner, and one of the league’s more likeable stars, who pretty much turned everyone around him into better players. The stat of Nash helping all of his teammates reach career highs during the Suns 2005-2006 season, when they were the best show in the league, the funnest team to watch. Eventually, knowing it was either trade him or see him go for nothing, they went for the sign and trade.
Nash had a statement for the organization, the fans and the city of Phoenix, before he moves further West, in pursuit of his first NBA title ring and maybe a later career in Hollywood:
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.