Coming July 2010: Steve Nash and LeBron James together in New York?

NBA news mixed with analysis …

Their News: “Nash, who has an all-but-guaranteed team option for next season, said he knows he wants to play two more seasons beyond that contract — which would take him through the 2011-12 season and his 38th birthday — and he might play longer if he still feels healthy and passionate about the game.

“I know I want to play four more years. That’s my goal, to sign another two-year contract. After that, I’ll evaluate where I am and how I feel,” Nash said. “I know I feel great right now and I think I have a lot left.” (East Valley Tribune, October 5th, 2008)

Our Very Quick Analysis: So Nash will cash his 401K and retire in July of 2012. One question remains: where will he finish his career?

The tiny table-setter has two seasons left on his current contract with Phoenix and wants to play two additional seasons. He could re-up with the Suns in 2010 or head elsewhere as an unrestricted free agent.

Toronto, because Nash hails from Canada, is an option. Home sweet home, right? Of course, Chris Bosh and Jose Calderon will be around to keep the team competitive. Former Suns’ GM and friend Bryan Colangelo will be pulling the front office strings. 

However, New York –as Michael Grange of the Globe and Mail mentions- is a better fit. Mentor Mike D’Antoni should still be running the sideline. The likable coach and his one-time understudy have an established trust from their ‘Seven Seconds To Shoot’ days.

The Big Apple has also been Nash’s off-season home. He plays pick-up ‘footie’ against the MLS’ Red Bulls and drops Nike training commercials in Manhattan. New York is also perfect for him to transition into his next career making films. 

There is a 6-8, 240 pound wildcard. The Knicks will surely chase LeBron James when he hits free agency in July 2010. Such a talent could draw Nash to New York. The forward will demand, and get, a ‘max-plus’ contract with all the kickers, which could limit available salary for co-stars like Nash. 

If Nash were to leave the Suns in two seasons, watch the Knicks. With or without James, it makes as much sense as coming ’home’ to the Raptors.

Is Nash to the NYC a possibility? How about Toronto? Or will he stay in Phoenix? Get at us in the comment box below with thoughts and return to HoopsVibe The Blog with thoughts. Photo courtesy of skewb.