Phoenix, AZ

The Phoenix Suns have quickly found a replacement for Steve Nash, luring back playmaker Goran Dragic with a four-year deal worth $34 million.

Earlier, the Suns have sent Nash to the Los Angeles Lakers after signing him to a three-year deal in excess of $25 million in exchange for four draft picks -- first rounders in 2013 and 2015 and second rounders in 2013 and 2014.

A source familiar with the deal said Dragic has pledged to sign July 11, the day when the moratorium for signing ends. Dragic will have a player option entering the fourth year, the source added.

After trading Nash to the Lakers, the Suns have agreed to a three-year, $18 million contract with free agent forward Michael Beasley, who saw action with the Minnesota Timberwolves for the past two seasons.

Dragic, a second-round pick of the San Antonio Spurs in 2008, previously backed up Nash for two years in Phoenix, making an impression with a 23-point fourth quarter against the San Antonio Spurs in the 2010 playoffs.

He divided the 2010-11 season between Houston and Phoenix before signing with the Rockets for a full season last year. He rose to prominence in the second half of last season with the Rockets following an injury to Kyle Lowry.

Last season, Dragic averaged 11.7 points and 5.3 assists in 28 minutes per game, mostly as a backup.

But negotiations with the Rockets broke off quickly this week, with Dragic determined to not only secure a deal paying $10 million annually but also the promise of a starting job.

He was also pursued by the Toronto Raptors, Dallas Mavericks and Charlotte Bobcats in addition to the Suns.

With the entry of Nash, the Lakers no longer need to retain point guard Ramon Sessions, who opted out of the final year and $4.55 million of his contract to become a free agent.

Kobe Bryant on the Lakers' acquisition of Steve Nash

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