Before the Los Angeles Lakers acquired two-time MVP Steve Nash via trade, the veteran guard was exploring other free agent opportunities from a few different teams.

Heading into the off-season it was presumed that Nash would either re-sign with the Phoenix Suns or end up signing with the Toronto Raptors or the New York Knicks.

Once it became clear that the Suns were moving in a different direction, in a recent interview with QMI Agency, Nash was heavily leaning towards heading to his native Canada to sign a three-year deal with the Raptors worth $36 million according to Steve Buffery of PortageDailyGraphic.com:

"I was very close, you know," Nash said. "Because it appeared that they were going to be an option long before free agency started. So I got my head around that and I was comfortable with that and happy with the opportunity to play in Toronto. But when this opportunity (with the Lakers) became a reality, I couldn't pass it up.

"Unfortunately it wasn't a team contending for a championship. But I love Toronto, it's home in many senses. And I think it's a first-class organization and a first-class city and I would have been extremely proud to play for them and represent the city, and play for those fans and hopefully help get that team into the playoffs."

Related Articles:

Jay-Z Will Auctioning Autographed 'Carter 4' Brooklyn Nets Jersey To Celebrate Teams Arrival

Chris Paul, Chauncey Billups Participate In Full Contact Practice