The Knicks have had exploratory talks with Phoenix about a sign-and-trade for Steve Nash, according to an NBA source. If the Suns take back a couple of Knicks pawns, it would allow Nash to make more than the $3.09 mid-level exception the Knicks have now. Â Read more after the jump.
Knicks brass was expected to meet with Nash today along with his agent Bill Duffy to discuss scenarios in which he can make more than $5M. Nash met with Toronto brass in New York this morning and the Raptors reportedly will offer him a deal worth $10M per year. The Knicks realize their mid-level exception won’t be enough for Nash as they try to sell him on the Knicks’ title-contending status.
The Knicks have free agents that the Suns could want in a deal but they probably could sign them outright without needing a sign-and-trade, such as Jared Jeffries and Steve Novak.
That’s why it is possible the Knicks would have to include one of their signed players. The Suns would probably want Iman Shumpert. Ater a solid rookie season, he is rehabbing from a torn ACL and isn’t back until January at the earliest.
The Knicks could also look into a sign-and-trade for Raymond Felton with Portland.
