Knicks emerge as frontrunners to land Steve Nash

The New York Knicks have emerged as the frontrunners to land All-Star guard Steve Nash, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.

Nash and the Knicks are in the critical stages of discussions on a three-year deal worth between $27 million-$30 million to be executed through a sign-and-trade deal with the Suns. The Knicks would send rookie guard Iman Shumpert and two players – including Toney Douglas and Dan Gadzuric – to Phoenix for Nash, sources said.

Nash, a two-time MVP, has been enthusiastic about joining the Knicks' core of Carmelo Anthony, Tyson Chandler and Amar'e Stoudemire.

[Also: Deron Williams agrees to $100 million contract with Brooklyn Nets]

The Toronto Raptors reached agreement with restricted free-agent guard Landry Fields on a three-year, $20 million offer sheet Tuesday, believing it would disrupt the Knicks' ability to assemble the necessary parts for the Suns. Toronto has offered Nash a three-year, $36 million contract, but Nash has privately indicated a preference to play for New York if the Knicks are able to close the gap on the Raptors' offer.

The Suns nearly picked Shumpert in the 2011 draft. He is rehabilitating a torn left anterior cruciate ligament in his knee and isn't expected to be ready for the start of the 2011-12 season.

The Knicks also intend to match any offer restricted free-agent point guard Jeremy Lin receives.

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