The Lakers acquiring Steve Nash through a sign-and-trade deal with the Suns was unexpected, to say the very least. New York and Toronto were considered the frontrunners to land Nash, but being close to family and having the opportunity to compete for a championship were factors that turned out to be more important than many on the outside first realized.
Nash issued a statement once the deal was done, and here it is in its entirety (via ESPN.com):
“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. 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 L.A. 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 some day soon for all the amazing fans and wonderful people in the organization.”
Nash is a class act, and maybe some of the public perception of Suns owner Robert Sarver will improve after his actions helped Nash get to where he wanted to go. Suns fans will undoubtedly be disgusted seeing Nash play in a Lakers uniform next season, but maybe there’s some solace in knowing that it was his choice to do so, and that the organization repaid his loyalty by helping him get his wish via the sign-and-trade.