The Phoenix Suns and Steve Nash seem to be parting fairly amicably. On the surface it might appear that Nash was traded for ‘just’ a bunch of draft picks and cash, but given his impending free agency, Nash’s agreement to a sign and trade was one final assist he gave the Suns’ organization. Nash being loyal to a fault has given his heart and soul to the Suns’ organization and even in leaving he leaves behind the tools necessary to rebuild quite quickly.
And the Suns are jumping all over their opportunity by acting very quickly to make some key moves with their extra money. Although the offseason deals can’t be announced until July 11th officially, it appears that the Suns have come to an agreement with the athletic Michael Beasley from the Minnesota Timberwolves:
Free agent forward Michael Beasley has agreed to a three-year, $18 million deal with the Phoenix Suns, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press on Wednesday.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because deals can’t be announced until July 11. Beasley, the second overall pick in the 2008 draft out of Kansas State, averaged 15.1 points per game in his four NBA seasons, two with Miami and the past two with Minnesota. [via]
But the Suns haven’t stopped there, they have made a quick move to lock up Steve Nash’s old protege, Gorgan Dragic, to a whopping $34M over four years. This is a great move for the organization as Dragic was definitely viewed by GM’s around the league as a high quality, starting caliber point guard. Dragic also just came off a great year in Houston with the Rockets, averaging career highs in points and assists…
Suns move quickly after Steve Nash trade and strike four-year deal with Goran Dragic worth $34 million, sources tell ESPN. [via]
Their draft picks acquired from the Lakers will serve as further bargaining tools in more offseason transactions or at the very least solidify their future rebuilding project over the next couple years.
So Captain Canada might have left town, but Phoenix Suns fans have some exciting basketball to look forward to regardless…
