Before the Deadline, the Suns Will Be “Very Aggressive.” Chris Paul is Available.
The Phoenix Suns are approaching the February NBA Playoffs aggressively under new owner Mat Ishbia. 9 trade deadline.
The Suns “are expected to be incredibly active over the next several days to add to the roster,” according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report revealed on Sunday night that the Brooklyn Nets ultimately decided to go with the Dallas Mavericks’ package for Kyrie Irving despite the Suns’ offer of Chris Paul, Jae Crowder, and a first-round pick.
Paul’s inclusion in Phoenix’s offer caught many by surprise, but it appears that the Suns are willing to move the seasoned point guard if the right offer materializes.
While the Suns are determined to build around Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton, Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson, Charania notes that “the future of Chris Paul lacks confidence.”
Although Paul has two more years left on his contract, it’s important to note that only $15,800,000 of his $30,800,000 salary is guaranteed for the upcoming year. In 2024-25, none of Paul’s $30,800,000 salary is guaranteed.
Paul has been averaging 13.8 points, 8.6 assists, 4.4 rebounds, 1.7 three-pointers, and 1.4 steals while shooting.435/.389/.822 overall this season. The 37-year-old has played in 34 games, seeing action for 31.8 minutes each game.
Point guard Fred VanVleet of the Toronto Raptors has been a target for the Suns, according to Charania. O.G. of the Raptors has been linked to a move to Phoenix. If Toronto decides to trade him, it will be Anunoby. The Suns will undoubtedly keep an eye on Kevin Durant’s availability as well after the Irving trade.
Phoenix is anticipated to at the very least trade Crowder, who has been sidelined this season while the Suns look for a trade partner. Many playoff front-runners have expressed interest in Crowder.
Currently 29-26, the Suns have the fifth-best record in the Western Conference. Phoenix has the 17th-ranked offense in the NBA (scoring 111.1 points per 100 possessions) and the seventh-ranked defense (allowing 109.9 points per 100 possessions).
