Steve Nash, the Phoenix Suns’ two-time MVP and franchise star, has just a small window of championship opportunity left in his otherwise Hall of Fame-caliber career and, for both the franchise and his own title quest, it really is time the Suns part with Nash and begin their rebuilding process before the deadline in February.

Seriously, how far are these guys going to make it even if they miraculously enter the postseason? Anyone out there think they are defeating the Spurs or Lakers in seven games? Not a chance.

The Suns have an incredible opportunity to jump-start their rebuilding efforts this season - between Vince Carter’s semi-expiring deal, Steve Nash’s still excellent trade value and Grant Hill’s expiring deal they could at least net a few picks and/or prospects in return to team with the few building blocks they have in place and hope that they land a steal in the draft lottery.

This is not about the Suns’ future, however. This is about where Steve Nash could possibly head and compete for his first NBA title. In early December I wrote a column titled “Steve Nash deserves better! An open letter to the Suns” detailing my frustration with management for failing to build around him and I pleaded for them to either deal him or re-stock their roster. Now I think it’s time for the former rather than the latter.

I admire Nash’s recent statements that he signed up for the long haul for the Suns and wants to make this work but in reality who wouldn’t love to go out a champion? I think, given the option to compete for a title a couple more times, Nash would jump at the chance and I don’t blame him.

The problem is this: Most teams that will challenge for a championship soon are pretty set at the point guard spot.

Let’s break down a few of the current playoff contenders and you’ll see what I mean:

  • First off, the Knicks have found themselves a pretty decent guard in Raymond Felton and are probably holding out hope that they can acquire Chris Paul in 2012 anyway. Would they want to invest more salary than necessary in case they can indeed land Carmelo? I say no.

  • Some are pointing to the Lakers but I don’t think their offense is designed for a Nash-type player. Think about the guys who have run the “Triangle” over the last twenty years and you’ll see why this wouldn’t be a good fit. 

  • Oklahoma City, Utah, Chicago, Boston, San Antonio and New Orleans? I think they are pretty well set for the long-term, wouldn’t you agree?

  • And the Magic? I don’t think Orlando landed Gilbert Arenas and his monster contract to let him ride pine for the next few years. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if Jameer Nelson found himself a new home before the deadline so Orlando can acquire a big man.

That leaves few options for Nash to latch on with playoff contenders who really need him. In fact, other than the Miami Heat and Mavericks, I’m not sure the teams listed below have a true, legit shot at competing for a title this year. But it would be better to enter the race than sit on the sidelines, right?

So which franchises do I think Steve could head to right away that actually make sense for both parties? Check them out below.

(NOTE: These are not in any particular order and I’m not going to pretend to be a salary cap-master. Nash could land with these teams but what each squad would give up is beyond me. I’m going to give scenarios for a couple of the teams but don’t blast me if the numbers don’t match up EXACTLY!)

**1. Denver Nuggets (Current playoff seed: Seventh) **

The Nuggets will probably be sending their current starting point guard, Chauncey Billups, to the East before the deadline along with Carmelo Anthony and a couple of others and that would open up a starting spot for the still effective Nash to run with the league’s third-rated offense. Denver won’t stop being a quality team after Anthony’s departure in my opinion as I don’t believe he’s a true “star” in the Kobe, Durant, LeBron-mold. With Nash running with J.R. Smith, pick-and-rolling with Nene or Derrick Favors (the Nets rookie who would be included in an Anthony deal) and dishing off to Smith or Afflalo on the perimeter I think the Nuggets could still make a decent run in the West.

Of course, the proposed deal also includes Devin Harris and that could negate a Nash deal right away, but I wonder if New Jersey will actually part with Harris when all is said and done. If I’m Denver I want Nash running my offense right now over Harris anyway.

**2. Atlanta Hawks (Current playoff seed: Fourth) **

This is a team that I think could make some noise in the East with Nash at the helm. Mike Bibby is still a decent player but even in his prime he couldn’t stand toe-to-toe with Nash and I can’t help but wonder how effective this offense could be with Steve running with Josh Smith and Joe Johnson. And the pick-and-roll game? Nash and Horford would excel at this right out of the gate. I’m thinking the Hawks might be willing to give up Jamal Crawford and Bibby for the chance to acquire Nash and, say, Jared Dudley. This scenario makes the most sense to me.

Remember, Crawford’s contract comes off the books after this season and Bibby’s next year so the Suns could reap the benefits of some cap relief in back-to-back seasons or use Bibby as trade bait. I would bet that the Suns turn the ball over to Dragic while Bibby shares time for a year if this happens.

**3. Miami Heat (Current playoff seed: Second) **

Look, the Heat don’t have a prayer of landing Nash and we know it. They have so few assets available after signing James, Bosh and Wade that they really don’t have much to offer. That being said, would the Suns consider a package of Mike Miller, Udonis Haslem and Mario Chalmers or some other odd combination? I don’t think so but I never thought the Celtics would receive Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen in the same season so all bets are off.

Still, while Pat Riley might fall out of his chair if Nash became available to him I don’t see this happening. Nash’s value is still too high. That doesn’t erase their immediate need for him though.

**4. Houston Rockets (Current playoff seed: 11th) **

Aaron Brooks has not performed quite as well as last season and the Rockets could dangle Yao Ming’s expiring deal along with Brooks. Yao has indicated that he’s not going to retire and could come back strong for all we know. The Suns could sign him to a short-term incentive-laden deal and replace Nash with a still-young (26) Brooks who is coming off his finest season. Remember, Houston is just a few games back from Portland in the playoff race and I can see Nash and Scola making beautiful music together. And how about Nash tossing it out to Kevin Martin or vice-versa? Houston is already ranked eighth in offense this year but with Nash could make a real push. Maybe the Rockets don’t want to trade Brooks and would be willing to trade a few parts like Kyle Lowry and Courtney Lee along with Yao to entice the Suns. Either way I can see this happening.

The Suns would have to add a few players to make this deal work, of course, such as Grant Hill or Pietrus. But wouldn’t you love to see Nash operating Rick Adelman’s offense?

Me too.

**5. Dallas Mavericks (Current playoff seed: Fifth) **

Could this really happen? Nash would be an upgrade over Jason Kidd at this point and his shooting alone would ramp up the Mavs’ offense even higher. Nash has an excellent rapport with former teammates Shawn Marion and Dirk Nowitzki and I could see him being the final piece of the puzzle that could vault Dallas past L.A. in the playoffs. The Mavs’ title-window will be closing within the next couple of years with the current group and I can see them pulling the trigger on a Nash trade to ignite even more fan interest and a possible fairy-tale ending for Nowitzki and his long-time buddy.

Of course, this is assuming that someone can adequately replace Caron Butler. If no one on the current roster can I don’t see them trading for Nash and instead opting for a swingman like Andre Iguodala. Still, the possibility is intriguing.

SLEEPER PICK: Los Angeles Clippers (Current playoff seed: 13th)

I understand that this is pushing it, but wouldn’t you just love to see Nash lob it to Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan for a couple of years? I know this means Baron Davis would need to be shipped out and I don’t think any team (other than the Bobcats) has shown interest in adding his still-massive contract via trade. But if this happened? I could definitely see the Clippers making a push for the postseason this year and entering the tournament next season.

And hey, who says the Suns wouldn’t take Chris Kaman and Rasual Butler or Randy Foye in return? You just never know.

What do you think? Do other teams actually make sense other than these five with playoff hopes?

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