http://www.sportsnet.ca/basketball/2012/06/22/nash_three_team_shortlist/ Phoenix Suns guard Steve Nash has a shortlist of three teams, one of which is Toronto, sources have told Sportsnet 590 The Fan's Eric Smith. "I heard from national-media types from around the U.S., and at least one prominent agent as well, that believe that Steve Nash has a shortlist," Smith said. "From what I have heard from these people, and they could be wrong, but these are coming from some pretty legitimate sources, it is a three-team race for Steve Nash in free agency: Portland, Phoenix and Toronto," Smith explained.
Smith has been covering the Raptors for years but I don't think anyone would classify him as a news breaker. Whether that gives him more credibility or less I don't know. I think Nash really does have a shortlist and whoever gives him the most money from that group will get him. Miami would like him for the minimum but I don't know if a title is worth turning down a 3/30 or so offer from another team. Nash could've chased a title last time around and stuck with the Suns.
Those three teams have about $30M to $40M committed before cap holds. That means they have space to pay him above MLE. Seems his choice is for the payday over chasing a ring.
