Just when it appeared Independence Day wouldn't produce much major NBA news, a blockbuster deal involving a two-time MVP was consummated. The Phoenix Suns will send 38-year old point guard Steve Nash to the Los Angeles Lakers for two first round picks, two second round picks and $3 million. Nash, who was an unrestricted free agent, discussed the move with Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant prior to agreeing to the deal. Nash will earn $25 million over three years in a new contract from the Lakers.
Here's the lowdown on the rest of Wednesday's free agency action in the NBA:
- Point guard Goran Dragic might be the biggest free agent left on the market. The Houston Rockets aren't showing much interest in retaining the restricted free agent, but Dragic's suitors are already lining up. The Charlotte Bobcats are set to make an offer, and the Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks and Toronto Raptors are also said to be interested.
- The Suns verbally agreed to a three-year, $18 million deal with forward Michael Beasley.
- Spencer Hawes will be sticking with the Philadelphia 76ers for a contract that will pay him $13 million for two seasons.
- If the Brooklyn Nets can't coax the Orlando Magic to trade them star center Dwight Howard, the Nets will turn their attention to forward Ersan Ilyasova. Ilyasova also has a five-year offer waiting from his current team, the Milwaukee Bucks, believed to be worth $40 million.
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