With the National Basketball Association’s trading deadline in our rear-view mirror, let’s confront the much ballyhooed hostage situation surrounding the idea that Steve Nash, having won two popularity contested Most Valuable Player awards, transformed the fortunes of the Phoenix Suns in the process, and at this salary strapped juncture, was owed the right to chase a championship ring elsewhere. Revisit the careers of teammates that Steve Nash’s play has supposedly transcended, including Amar'e Stoudemire, Joe Johnson, Dirk Nowitzki, Shaquille O'Neal, Shawn Marion, and Michael Finley; suppositions aside, has any other NBA star played with more All-Star caliber players in their career, and gotten more of a pass for not delivering a ring? Only two of the aforementioned names do not have Finals rings, and have all made annual playoff appearances without Steve Nash directing traffic, dazzling audiences, and downright being the reason for every positive outcome according to routine commentary.

While Lebron James is indignantly discussed despite having at least led the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Finals, Steve Nash’s historical basketball legacy is unfairly judged in contrast due to what many perceive as loyalty; yet once we agree that earned championships are far more valuable than entertaining performances, it becomes easier to accept that Steve Nash may not have coerced his way out of Phoenix due to loyalty, his reason may have appropriately been guilt.