SATURDAY, 2:38pm: Nash re-iterates that he is considering the Knicks to Ben Sin of SLAMOnline.com, saying that he and Amare Stoudemire spoke recently about "how nice it’d be to play together again." Nash adds that the ability to win a championship won't be the only factor in where he signs, with "salary, family, playing time, and opportunity for team success" all playing a part.
THURSDAY, 8:02am: Marc Berman of the New York Post hears from a source close to Nash that, despite his public comments, the longtime Sun is unlikely to seriously consider the Knicks, even if they have their $5MM mid-level exception available. According to Berman, Nash will receive offers larger than $5MM annually, and wouldn't take less money to play in New York unless he thought the Knicks were closer to winning a title.
WEDNESDAY, 11:43am: Multiple reports this month have suggested the Suns, Raptors, Nets, and Trail Blazers are expected to be the top suitors for Steve Nash this summer, but the veteran point guard won't limit his choices to those teams. Nash will "definitely consider" the Knicks if they pursue him, according to Jared Zwerling of ESPNNewYork.com.
"The Knicks are a great franchise and I live in New York City (each summer)," Nash said. "So I'd definitely consider them if they were interested."
Of course, the Knicks are expected to have very limited flexibility in free agency this summer, particularly if the NBPA loses the Early Bird rights hearing that was held last week. While New York should have its mid-level exception to pursue Nash, that would likely mean the team would have to part ways with Jeremy Lin. If Nash were willing to accept a discount, or if a sign-and-trade could be worked out, the 38-year-old could land in the Big Apple, but it appears to be a real long-shot.
For his part, Nash says he hasn't made up his mind about where he'll sign yet, and that he's looking forward to talking to teams once free agency begins on July 1st.
"I want to wait and see what's actually on the table," Nash said. "I'm open and excited. I'm looking at every possibility right now."
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I wonder if the Suns could nab the rights to Lin in a sign in trade. If so, it would work out pretty good for the Suns.
Lin is seriously overrated.
Do not sign with the Nets Steve! You do not defend well.