Steve Nash Admits It 'Stung' That Phoenix Suns Gave No Warning About 'Cutting Ties'
Steve Nash may have made headlines for agreeing to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers during the first week of free agency, but the veteran point guard recently admitted he was shocked to learn that his Phoenix Suns decided not to extend him an offer.
Nash spoke to the Arizona Republic's Paul Coro about the hurt he felt when leaving his team of the past eight years after they declined to offer him a new contract.
"It stung a little bit. At the same time, I can't fault them," Nash told Coro. "They made a strong move to cut ties and move forward and I get it. Goran (Dragic, a former Nash backup who Phoenix gave a four-year, $30 million deal) is a terrific signing. If they get (Eric) Gordon (by New Orleans not matching a four-year, $58 million offer sheet), they'd have a great backcourt for years."
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Although Nash recognized that the Suns made some smart adjustments to their team, he did admit that knowing about the team's plans ahead of time would have made him feel better.
"A head's up that they were moving on would've meant a lot to me. I don't have any problem with them going in a new direction. It takes guts to do it," Nash said. "They got younger and more talented. I'm excited for them and Suns fans that they'll be back in there."
Still, Nash recognized that Suns fans may have been unhappy with his decision to join the Lakers, which shocked many.
"I definitely upset some Suns fans and turned down some money but the opportunity with the kids was too good to pass up," Nash told Coro. "I was more lucky than anything that (the Lakers) are a contender."
Still, the 38-year-old point guard admitted that he did not expect to be joining forces Kobe Bryant.
"I never saw this coming so I'm still not completely through the process of realizing this is a reality," Nash said.
