Steve Nash On Lakers Trade 'It's Very Important to Stay Near My Children' [FULL STATEMENT]
Steve Nash was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, according to reports Wednesday night.
The Phoenix Suns player negotiated a sign-and-trade deal in which he will receive an estimated $27 million for a three year deal, according to reports.
In exchange, the Lakers will send four draft picks to the Suns, first-round picks in 2013 and 2015, and second-round picks in 2014 and 2015.
The 38-year-old two-time Most Valuable Player led The Suns to three conference finals during his last eight years in Phoenix.
Last season, the Canadian guard averaged 12.5 points and 10.7 assists while shooting 53 percent for the Suns.
Nash’s trade is also expected to put the Lakers back into the championship. The Lakers have been eliminated in the second round of the playoffs for two consecutive years.
Read Steve Nash' statement below (via ESPN):
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.
