After the passing of the “stretch provision” deadline over the weekend, the window for the Lakers to waive Nash’s contract has officially passed, ensuring that Steve has one final year secure on his contract.
After persistent injury woes throughout the course of his time in Los Angeles, rumours were abound that the Lakers would bite the bullet and decide to terminate Nash’s deal, summing up to $9.7m for the 2014-2015 season.
Instead, after failing to lure marquee free agents such as LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony and Chris Bosh to the organization this summer, Nash’s salary will officially come off of the books next summer, allowing the team to pursue targets like Marc Gasol, Rajon Rondo and LeMarcus Aldridge.
After slipping into foreign territory earlier this summer, the Lakers are now back over the cap with $67.9m guaranteed to 13 players.
Mar 28, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Steve Nash (10) dribbles the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports