The Phoenix Suns have reportedly agreed to sign-and-trade guard Steve Nash to the Los Angeles Lakes for future draft picks.
In an unforeseen twist the Lakers have been elevated straight back into title contention as the two-time NBA MVP will team up with Kobe Bryant, according to sources with knowledge of the deal.
Nash will receive a three-year deal in excess of $25 million, sources said, because the Suns ultimately agreed to sign-and-trade him to the Lakers, who can absorb Nash via trade exception they created by dealing Lamar Odom to the Dallas Mavericks in December.
Sources told ESPN.com that Nash was swayed to join the Lakers after a determined push from Bryant and because the move keeps him in the title hunt and allows him to stay in close proximity to his three children in Phoenix.
Nash, 38, spent his last seven seasons with the Suns, becoming the face of the franchise and a fan favorite. He averaged 12.5 points and 10.7 assists in 2011-12 and was named to the 2012 All-Star team, his eighth selection.
Nash gets a big market, a stacked roster of talented teammates, and a chance at multiple title chases and another healthy contract. Though he left some money on the table, he now has a significant role on a true contender.
The Lakers now have pair of sure-fire Hall of Famers in their backcourt. They hope the pass-first Nash can handle the delicate shot-selection balance in a way that maximizes the effectiveness of big men Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol.
For the Phoenix Suns, the end with Nash was near. They simply couldn't maneuver to surround Nash with enough talent to convince him to stay for one more contract. For years, Nash has taken a true professional approach to his role with the team, putting down trade rumor after trade rumor.
Team owner Robert Sarver finally agreed to the trade after yielding to a plea from Nash to send him to a destination where he could maintain the closest possible ties to his children and still chase the ring that has eluded him for 16 seasons.
Sending Nash to the team of his choosing ensures that the sides part on good terms after it became clear that the Suns were prepared to move in a different direction instead of trying to match bids for Nash coming from the Toronto Raptors, Dallas Mavericks, Knicks, and the Lakers.
The Suns will receive 2013 and 2015 first-round picks and 2013 and 2014 second-round picks from the Lakers, according to the Arizona Republic.
The deal can't be officially completed until July 11, when a leaguewide moratorium on new business is lifted.
