In a surprising twist, Steve Nash chose to sign for the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday after agreeing to a sign-and-trade deal with the Phoenix Suns.
Nash will reportedly get paid around $25 million over three years, according to ESPN.com. The Lakers will use the trade exception they received while trading Lamar Odom to the Dallas Mavericks. The Suns will get two first round picks in 2013 and 2015 and two second rounders in 2013 and 2014.
The New York Knicks was the other team trying to bring in Nash in a similar sign-and-trade deal, also offering the same money, but lost out to the Lakers after superstar Kobe Bryant made a personal push, which convinced Nash to move to Los Angeles.
The deal will be made official when the signings season officially opens on July 11.
Staying close to his three kids in Phoenix was also another factor which went in the Lakers' favor.
"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," Nash told ESPN.com in a statement. "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 LA 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 someday soon for all the amazing fans and wonderful people in the organization."
The Suns were reluctant to commit to a three year deal and were reportedly ready to give Nash a two-year contract worth around $20 million.
It is understood the Lakers will now keep their other three key pieces Bryant, Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol, as they push for the NBA championship.
Free agent point guard Ramon Sessions, who opted out of his final year $4.55 million contract with the Lakers, will now not be considered after the Nash deal was completed.
The Knicks came close to signing Nash in a similar deal, but the proximity to his kids took precedence. The Toronto Raptors were thought to be the frontrunners after offering the point guard a three-year $36 million deal. The Dallas Mavericks, who lost out on Deron Williams after the All-Star decided to stay with the Brooklyn Nets, were also trying to convince Nash to sign join them.
