Hoops Nation

Man, it sure is a tragedy watching two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash wasting away on the also-ran Phoenix Suns. That has been the international consensus from everyone for the last year or so — everyone except Nash and the Suns, apparently.

ESPN.com reports that the 37-year-old Nash, who has had his name in trade rumors for years, refuses to request a trade from the Suns.

“One, it’s notmy style. Maybe I’m old school, but I feel like that’s not my place to give up on my team, give up on my teammates. I signed a contract and made a commitment.”

“And two, I don’t feel it’s like choosing a restaurant. It’s got to be a situation that works for two teams. And I don’t know how simple that is. But before we even get to that part of it, I just feel that I owe it to my teammates to stay committed to them. I feel that I owe it to the fans and the organization to fight.”

Nash is adamant: He will not go to his bosses and ask to be traded. The Suns likewise haven’t budged: They insist they will not trade Nash unless he comes to them and says he can’t bear another day detached from relevance.

The Suns are just 2-4 on the young season and are almost certainly headed for the NBA Draft Lottery. Nash’s numbers through six games — 11.5 points, 8.7 assists — are way down, although he’s been dealing with a bruised rib. It’s been more than a decade since his numbers have been at those levels and he’s currently shooting a career-low 42.2 percent from the field.

Via CBSSports