Last summer the number one question facing the Phoenix Suns was Amare Stoudemire. Would he stay? Did he want to stay? How much money would it take to convince him to stay? Needless to say, he didn't stay and this season we see the results of losing a player of his caliber. Now the same question (with a twist) applies to Steve Nash.
Many in the national media have speculated that Nash couldn't possibly want to spend another second in Phoenix. Honestly, it's an argument that I partially bought into as well. After all the change and all turmoil that clearly has frustrated Steve, why wouldn't he ask out?
There are two sides to this debate though. The Suns very well could, and certainly should, listen to offers for Nash who clearly still has a lot to offer the right team.
On the surface it seems there's little the Suns could do to turn this year's lottery team back into a playoff contender. Of course, we said the same thing after the 2008-09 lottery season, which was followed by a trip to the Western Conference Playoffs.
We just don't know what moves are possible and the impending lock out and restructuring of the CBA makes things even less certain.
For Nash's part, while he repeats his frustration over the chaos of this season, he seems quite clear that intends to return as a member of the Suns.
"I have no choice. We are in transition. I'm a part of it. I want to do the best I can to help. I don't want to leave. I want to do the best I can to get us back to contention," Nash told the Arizona Republic in a recent interview.
That certainly must come as a relief to the ears of his biggest supporter in town, Banker Bob Sarver.
Barring a change of heart from Nash or a totally overwhelming offer for his services that the Suns simply can't refuse, the chances of Steve being back next season just went up considerably. Before this statement from Nash I put it at 50/50. Now I would say the chance of him leaving is down to about 20/80.
Whatever you do, don't rush to sell those number 13 jersey's on eBay. You might well need them for at least one more season.