The Los Angeles Clippers are heading into the new season still with championship aspirations. On the other hand, the Lakers are facing a murky future after missing on elite free-agents this offseason.
Nash is finally looking healthy after two rough seasons with the purple-and-gold. At training camp, the former two-time NBA MVP showed glimpse of his vintage self, as he effortlessly drove through lanes and found ways for his teammates to score.
Nash might have taken a sip from the fountain of youth this offseason, but he's very much realistic that time is no longer on his side. In February, one of the best passers in the game will turn 41-years old, extending his reign as the oldest baller in the NBA.
Even before the season starts, many NBA analysts are already considering as Nash's last campaign. With his contract expiring at the end of the year, the veteran will be a free-agent once again.
Still, Nash doesn't rule out the possibility of prolonging his career beyond this season. In a recent interview, the Canadian star expressed his optimism that he can still play at high-level, but it would entirely depend on his health.
When asked what team he would want to play next season, Nash didn't specify what team but he doesn't want to leave Los Angeles, the place where he and his family has loved over the past three seasons.
"My health, enjoyment and effectiveness," Nash told reporters via Fan Sided. "If I have a chance to play, it would have to be here. I'm not going to at this stage move somewhere else for a season and move my kids there."
Nash's statement has triggered speculations about a potential move before February trade deadline. Lakers' intra-city rival, the Clippers, have previously expressed their interest in adding Nash to add more depth at the point guard position.
Armed with enough assets, the Clippers might roll the dice and pull off a gamble to bring in a championship-hungry Nash midway into the season. As seen in his latest preseason match with the Denver Nuggets, Nash is still very capable of running any offense, and the Clips really need someone of that caliber to count on behind Chris Paul in pressure-packed situations, especially in the playoffs.
For the Clippers to get their hands on Nash, the Lakers must first realize that they aren't going anywhere with their current lineup. The more they lose early in the season, the more they lean on trading Nash to the Clippers, where he will have a chance to finally win a title.
Of course, this idea should be taken with a grain of salt. On the other hand, seeing Nash playing for the Clips deep into May is not much of a stretch, considering the current pecking order in LA basketball.
