Toronto Raptors make bumper offer to free agent Steve Nash – NBA Update
Long-time Phoenix Suns talisman Steve Nash is likely to part company with the franchise this summer as rival NBA teams start queuing for his signature. The first to make a move is perhaps the team most determined to land Nash; Toronto Raptors.
The Raptors, the only Canadian franchise in the NBA, have made no secret of their interest in Nash, who is a Canadian citizen and icon. The Raptors believe that getting Steve on board will help rejuvenate the franchise and propel them to great success in
the future.
The Raptors have used Nash’s Canadian connections as a lure to come play for them and have now reportedly made him a huge offer to smooth things over. Toronto had sent a delegation to New York for the NBA draft but courting Steve, who lives in NYC during
the summer, was also high on its agenda.
Reports suggest that Toronto have offered a formal contract to Steve worth a whopping $36 million over three years. It is known that Steve wants a three year contract and this one is probably the highest offer he will get in the free agency.
The legendary point guard, a two-time NBA MVP, averaged a double-double last season for the Suns, almost leading them to a playoffs appearance. He had though expressed discomfort at Phoenix stance of offering him a two-year deal and hinted earlier that his
stay at the franchise could be coming to an end.
"But I do know that for the first time I realize that it might not be Phoenix. I would have said even in the middle of (last) season or last year that I would have thought I probably would have stayed in Phoenix forever. But it's come to a point now where
I'm facing the reality that's not (the case)."
With Phoenix slowly losing ground on the race to sign Nash, Toronto do appear to be in pole position. There are other NBA franchises in the fray as well though, with the Miami Heat, New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets all credited with an interest.
Of these the Nets look to be in position to offer Steve a large enough contract as they have plenty of cap space available. Nash could replace Nets star Deron Williams in the line-up, if the latter departs, or could play alongside him in an exciting back
court pairing.
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