In discussing his impending free agency on an interview on ESPN Radio New York, Point Guard Steve Nash reiterated that he was “open to everything” and that he was “not going to close myself to any opportunities.” However, he also revealed that money will be just as important a factor in free agency as the team’s ability to win a championship:
“I definitely feel I want to be validated monetarily to an extent,’’ Nash said. “It’s still very important. I think money in many ways represents respect. For example, if you sign with a team and take half or less money, six months later they trade you. It has to be one of the factors. It’s not everything but it is important and will be one of the factors involved.’’
He explained that even though a team may look like a championship-caliber squad on paper, injuries or bad chemistry can nix that, and nothing is guaranteed in this league.
Nash also revealed that he would not be comfortable latching onto one of the Suns’ old rivals for a chance at a ring:
“The truth is I’m a bit old school. For me, it would be hard to put on a Lakers jersey. That’s just the way it is,” Nash said. “You play against them so many times in the playoffs, and I just use them as an example, and I have the utmost respect for them and their organization.
“I kind of have that tendency (to try to beat the best teams), so it is strange, but as a free agent you’re free to go where you want, so I’d have to consider everything regardless of the past or the future.”
So while there had been speculation that the likes of Chicago, Miami, and New York were favorites to sign the eight time All Star, it would appear that he will be leaning towards teams that were formerly viewed as dark-horse candidates to sign him such as the Indiana Pacers or Portland Trailblazers, who are both under the salary cap and could offer more money than the $3million mini-mid level exception that Chicago, Miami or NY could offer.
