Knicks Trade Rumors: Steve Nash for Chauncey Billups

The New York Knicks have been asking about the Phoenix Suns' Steve Nash, according to the NY Post. In the proposed swap, Nash would be traded straight up for Chauncey Billups.

From the NY Post:
There have been renewed whispers the Knicks have inquired about Suns point guard Steve Nash, who lives in SoHo in the offseason. The Knicks have talked internally about trading Chauncey Billups for Nash as both have expiring contracts. But there does not appear any reason for Suns owner Robert Sarver to make a move and give Mike D'Antoni a chance to reunite with his favorite son.

Nash and Billups are both aging veteran point guards with salaries that match up for a straight up swap. Billups recently had a $14.2 million option picked up by the Knicks, while Nash will make $11.7 million next year.

Nash has the slight edge in statistics at 14.7 points and 11.4 assists per game, while Billups had 16.8 points and 5.4 assists per game. Billups has led a team to an NBA Title, while Nash has yet to do so.

If Nash went to the New York, he would team back up with coach Mike D'Antoni and power forward Amare Stoudemire. Along with newly acquired Carmelo Anthony, the Knicks could form their own Big 3 to rival the Miami Heat.

The NY Post also mentions that Nash has his off season home in SoHo, allowing him to stay in New York for the entire year.

Ultimately, although the Knicks would love this deal, it doesn't make much sense for the Suns. Billups is an aging veteran on the down swing.

Nash has only a year left on his contract and the Suns want to look towards the future and rebuild, not get another aging veteran.

In fact, the Suns may look to draft a point guard in the upcoming NBA draft on June 23. If the Jimmer Fredette of BYU fell to the Suns in the draft, Nash or the champion Billups would do a good job grooming a new point guard for the next year.