Nash to Toronto? Don't get sucked in

The rumor mill has begun churning again on the possibility of the Phoenix Suns trading Steve Nash to the Toronto Raptors. Allow me to let the air out of that balloon please. Steve Nash will not be traded. Again I repeat, Steve Nash will not be traded.

The speculation began with Sam Smith's midseason on NBA.com several days ago. Within the article, Smith suggests that the Suns’ first and only priority should be retaining Amar’e Stoudemire, thus opening the door to trade Nash since he hasn’t openly denied the possibility of finishing his career in New York or Toronto after his contract is up in Phoenix (which isn’t until after next season).

Admitting that Toronto has “little of great value,” and that his suggested trade is “bold,” he proposes sending Nash, Leandro Barbosa, and Robin Lopez to Toronto for Jose Calderon, Andrea Bargnani, Anthony Parker, and Jason Kapono, as well as Jamario Moon if needed to make the salaries work.

Why would the Suns have traded for Jason Richardson, the shooting guard they felt they needed for the current roster to make a stretch run, just to turn around and trade the farm?

But, as only the internet can do, Smith’s column began to be misinterpreted across search engines, and soon enough, Smith’s suggestion turned into, “the Phoenix Suns have been offered a deal from the Raptors,” as well as,NBA.com is reporting that a Steve Nash to Toronto deal could happen pretty soon .”

If you’re skimming through this article, let me again repeat, Steve Nash will not be traded this season.

To end his suggestion, Smith says, “though they (Phoenix would) take on some contracts.” Obviously he hasn’t followed the Suns too closely then, because that’s the last thing Robert Sarver and the Suns’ brass are trying to do.