Last Updated on January 3, 2025 by Mathew Diekhake
Here is a breakdown of Steve Nash’s contract history during his NBA career, highlighting his key deals and earnings:
1. Phoenix Suns (1996–1998)
- Drafted: 15th overall by the Phoenix Suns in the 1996 NBA Draft.
- Rookie Contract: 3 years, $4.5 million (approx.).
- Signed under the NBA rookie scale. Nash played his first two seasons with the Suns before being traded.
2. Dallas Mavericks (1998–2004)
- Contract: 6 years, $48 million
- Signed with the Mavericks as a restricted free agent in 1998, after being traded from the Suns to Dallas in 1998.
- Became an important part of the Mavericks’ offense, though his breakout as a superstar came later in his career.
3. Phoenix Suns (2004–2012)
- Contract: 6 years, $63 million
- Signed a lucrative deal to return to the Suns in 2004, marking the beginning of his MVP-caliber years.
- Nash won two MVP awards (2005, 2006) while with Phoenix and led a dynamic offense under coach Mike D’Antoni.
4. Los Angeles Lakers (2012–2014)
- Contract: 3 years, $28 million
- Signed with the Lakers in 2012 as a free agent in a move to join Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard, and Pau Gasol.
- Unfortunately, injuries limited Nash’s impact during his time in Los Angeles, and he played only two seasons before retiring.
Career Earnings
Steve Nash earned approximately $147 million over his 18-year NBA career. His contracts reflect his transition from a role player in Dallas to one of the league’s elite point guards in Phoenix, and later to a high-profile but injury-plagued stint with the Lakers.