Sam Smith: Nash to Toronto?

[Louis]

http://www.nba.com/bulls/news/smith_090112.html

t's been a nice, feel good run for the Suns who are eight games over .500 with a revival from Shaquille O'Neal, playing like he's 34 again. But can they win a championship as currently comprised. Most doubt it, though after the Lakers the Western Conference seems wide, wide open. Shaq competing at this level saves the franchise the potential disaster of the trade gone bad and Mike D'Antoni and his fast break style leaving. But they are an aging team which should have one priority: Retaining Amaré Stoudemire. Though Cleveland, Toronto and Miami are most mentioned for losing their stars in 2010, the Suns could as well and it would be devastating. Jason Richardson was a nice pickup. But Steve Nash already has been talking about finishing his career (his contract expires in 2010) in New York or back home in Canada. Why not sooner? I've heard speculation about such a possibility around the NBA and recently heard from e-mailer Stephen in Phoenix raising it as well. It's an intriguing proposition. The Suns start to look beyond Shaq now with the idea of building around Stoudemire. While the Raptors push to get back in serious playoff contention to try to persuade Bosh to resign. Toronto reportedly has been anxious to trade, but really has little of great value. Here's the deal and while bold, it could respond to both teams' desires. Nash, Leandro Barbosa and Robin Lopez for Jose Calderon, Andrea Bargnani, Anthony Parker and Jason Kopono and perhaps Jamario Moon to equalize salaries. Nash still has quite a bit left and would be hugely popular returning to Toronto. Barbosa can be a two guard scoring option while Lopez is a defensive big man to complement Bosh. The Suns get a point guard for the future and perimeter big man to complement Stoudemire, though they take on some contracts.

Obviously to be taken with a grain of salt.

 

[Ollie]

I wonder whether he heard that trade rumor from his crack pipe or from his bong, because it doesn't sense for the Raptors.

 

[Mainstreet]

I wonder whether he heard that trade rumor from his crack pipe or from his bong, because it doesn't sense for the Raptors.

I can understand it from the Raptors perspective. The Raptors get a legendary player (Nash) to return to his roots in Canada. And the former MVP plans to play three more seasons. This would be a PR coup. They also get LB who is a solid NBA player and could be a starter on some teams. Also they get a 19 year old prospect at center (Lopez) who if he learns to play half as good as his brother, he will have a long career in the NBA. Except for Calderon this trade does not do anything for me. I definitely do not like this trade.

 

[Covert Rain]

They pulled this out (ooooot) of their canadian bacon.

 

[jandaman]

The way Bargnani is playing (SF/PF/C) for them.... definitely Raptors disadvantage...

 

[Ryanwb]

...and then Jerry Colangelo re-buys the team and Bryan says, "suckers!"

 

[dodie53]

imo,
the suns get the advantage on that deal.

 

[mojorizen7]

Substitute Kapono & Parker with a 1st rd pick & i'd pick up the phone.

 

[HooverDam]

Sam Smith is generally wrong about everything, I don't put much stock into this rumor.