On paper, Steve Nash to the Timberwolves seems like it would never work. Especially if the main trade chip being sent to Phoenix is Jonny Flynn.
That trade seems less likely than coach Eric Taylor and Vince Howard’s dad becoming friends. (Yes, I’m watching the NBC version like it’s in real time.)
I would argue Nash to the Timberwolves makes great sense for both the Suns and the Timberwolves.
Yesterday it was reported that the Wolves and Spanish point guard Ricky Rubio reached an agreement on a contract starting in the 2011-12 season.
As result, Jonny Flynn becomes expendable for the Wolves… And also Sioux Falls.
Phoenix— who was on the brink of the 2010 NBA Finals– shipped away many of those key parts, and as a result failed to reach the playoffs this season.
While getting rid of Nash and bringing in Flynn’s 5.3 points and 3.4 assists may not go over well with Suns fans, it may be the right play.
The 36-year old Nash showed declining numbers in 2010-11, and most likely won’t be a part of any Suns title contender in the near future.
But he’s a perfect fit for the young Timberwolves.
Adding Nash instantly propels them into a playoff contender. But mainly allows for the sure Hall of Famer to mentor the young, raw, Ricky Rubio. (See Favre, Brett mentoring Rodgers, Aaron, and look how that paid off for the Packers.)
While I can’t stand player comparisons on the basis of their race, Nash is exactly who Rubio should strive to be.
Not a great shooter in his own right—although he’s far better than Rubio will probably ever be—Nash is a facilitator instead of a scorer. Which is what Rubio is and will be at the NBA level.
Sure the Wolves would love to make the playoffs, but the mentoring and being a role model for Rubio would be the greatest strength that Nash would bring to Minneapolis. You cannot quantitate that effect on the growth of Rubio as a player, but most importanty as a person living in the NBA lifestyle.
But the Suns would need the right offer.
Flynn– a young point guard that could… gulp… thrive in the right system—would be a nice fit behind newly acquired Aaron Brooks in Phoenix.
(Proofreading note: Yes I did just suggest that Flynn could thrive in the right system.)
Flynn and the number two overall pick for Nash seems too hefty, even for David Kahn. I believe the Wolves number 20 selection would definitely be an appealing asset for the Suns.
Flynn and number 20 for Nash would be a trade the Suns would really have to look into. And a trade that would help the Wolves immensely.
While that offer may be appealing to the Suns, it may not be enough. But Flynn and 20 are a great starting point for discussions between the two teams.
It also appears that the Suns have interest in Flynn.
According to forward Jared Dudley’s Twitter, he retweeted a tweet that suggests Flynn was on the top of the Suns 2009 draft board.
RT @paulcoro: RT @Gambo620 Suns show interest in trading for johnny flynn.(PHX ranked him draft’s top P/R pt guard over Curry/Rubio/Jennings
Bill Ingram of HOOPSWORLD Suggests the Wolves have had discussions about pursuing Nash.
“There has been internal discussion about trading for Phoenix Suns All-Star guard Nash to mentor Rubio, but at this point that seems a bit far-fetched.”
While it may seem far-fetched in early June, once a CBA is reached– if it is reached in the off-season– then the Nash to the Timberwolves rumors may begin to heat up.
Until then, we can only speculate, but mainly celebrate the news that Rubio will finally be a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
-Brett Cloutier
Brett is a contributor to The Sports Bank as beat writer for the Minnesota Timberwolves. You can follow him on Twitter @brettcloutier