NBA Rumors: Steve Nash says he will retire if waived by Los Angeles Lakers
By Bryan Rose
Reports leaked on Wednesday suggesting that the Los Angeles Lakers wouldn’t likely make a splash in free agency this offseason, preferring to wait until the extremely stocked 2015 free agent pool.
That’s good news for Steve Nash, who will likely get an opportunity to play next season with the Lakers (health permitting) as it’s looking less likely that he’ll be waived before next season.
Nash is due nearly $10 million dollars in the final year of his contract next season, though the Lakers have the option to use the stretch provision on Nash which would allow them to reduce their salary cap number by spreading Nash’s deal out over the course of three seasons.
Some believed they’d exercise such an option if they attempted to sign free agents this offseason, but right now that seem questionable at best.
That said – if the Lakers view changes and they do waive Nash, he says he’ll retire.
"If the Lakers change their mind and waive Nash, he intends to retire: “That would be it,” he said. “I’ll either be back here or I’ll be done.”"
Earlier this year, Nash said if he was waived he’d be willing to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers next year or retire, but he decided against suggesting such this go around.