In an unforeseen twist that could thrust the Los Angeles Lakers straight back into title contention, two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash has successfully negotiated a sign-and-trade deal from the Phoenix Suns to the Lakers that will team him up with Kobe Bryant, according to sources with knowledge of the deal. Sources told ESPN.com that Nash, with the New York Knicks
also pressing hard to complete a similar sign-and-trade deal, 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 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 the trade exception they created by dealing Lamar Odom to the Dallas Mavericks in December.
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.
"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," Nash told ESPN.com. "I approached them and
asked if they would be willing to do a sign and trade deal with L.A.
because it is very important to me to stay near my children and family.
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