Nash headed to Lakers - report
Updated: 2012-07-05 15:38
(Agencies)
|
|||||||||||
The Los Angeles Lakers have reached an agreement to land All Star point guard Steve Nash in a trade with the Phoenix Suns, US media reported on Wednesday.
The Lakers are expected to send four draft picks to the Suns, first-round picks in 2013 and 2015, and second-round picks in 2014 and 2015.
Phoenix Suns' Steve Nash dribbles up court during their NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs in Phoenix, Arizona, April 25, 2012. [Photo/Agencies] |
The deal to sign free agent Nash cannot be made official until the NBA allows signings on July 11.
The 38-year-old will reportedly sign a three-year deal worth nearly $27 million to join forces with Kobe Bryant and pursue a long elusive championship.
He said he had made the decision after discussions with Suns owner Robert Sarver and president of basketball operations Lon Babby.
"After talking with Robert and Lon we've agreed that it's time for both of us to move in new directions," Nash told ESPN in a statement. "I approached them and asked if they would be willing to do a sign-and-trade deal with L.A.
"I couldn't be more grateful to the organization and Robert in particular."
Nash had several NBA suitors vying to sign him as a free agent including the New York Knicks, Dallas Mavericks and Toronto Raptors.
Having captured back-to-back league MVP Awards and leading his team to three conference finals during his last eight years in Phoenix, Nash departs a rebuilding Suns team that have missed the last two postseasons.
The Lakers are also trying to recapture their championship form after getting knocked out of the second round of the playoffs two years in a row.
Nash averaged 12.5 points and 10.7 assists while shooting 53 percent for the Suns last season.
He is expected to replace point guard Ramon Sessions, who opted out of his Lakers contract to become a free agent.
Today's Top News
President Xi confident in recovery from quake
H7N9 update: 104 cases, 21 deaths
Telecom workers restore links
Coal mine blast kills 18 in Jilin
Intl scholarship puts China on the map
More bird flu patients discharged
Gold loses sheen, but still a safe bet
US 'turns blind eye to human rights'
Hot Topics
Lunar probe , China growth forecasts, Emission rules get tougher, China seen through 'colored lens', International board,
Editor's Picks
All-out efforts to save lives |
Liaoning: China's oceangoing giant |
Poultry industry under pressure |
'Spring' in the air for NGOs? |
Boy set to drive Chinese golf |
Latest technology gets people talking |