Suns trade Nash to Lakers, sign Beasley - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

Steve Nash's agent Bill Duffy says the two-time MVP point guard is going to the Los Angeles Lakers in a sign-and-trade deal with the Phoenix Suns.  The 38-year-old Nash, who spent the past eight seasons with the Suns, was a free agent but a sign-and-trade agreement was necessary for the Lakers to afford him.

Nash agreed to a three-year, $27 million contract. In return, the Suns get four draft picks - first rounders in 2013 and 2015 and second rounders in 2013 and 2014.  Duffy said the deal was finalized about 6 p.m., PDT.

He said a main reason for Nash choosing the Lakers was to remain close to his children, who live in Phoenix. There had been sign-and-trade talks with New York and a lucrative free agent offer from Toronto.

A person familiar with the situation says free agent forward Michael Beasley has agreed to a two-year, $18 million deal with the Suns. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because deals can't be announced until July 11.

Beasley, the second overall pick in the 2008 draft out of Kansas State, averaged 15.1 points per game in his four NBA seasons, two with Miami and the past two with Minnesota. His best season was 2010-2011, when he averaged 19.2 points with the Timberwolves.  

It has been a busy 24 hours for the Suns, who agreed to an offer sheet with restricted free agent guard Eric Gordon on Tuesday.

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