Already down 2-0 in their Western Conference Semifinals matchup against the Denver Nuggets, the Phoenix Suns’ chances of advancing to the Conference Finals just took a major hit, but the outlook was already bleak once Chris Paul went down with a groin injury during Monday’s 97-87 loss.
Paul’s injury occurred in the third quarter, and the Suns’ veteran point guard would not return to action. We now have a more official injury update related to the 37-year-old 12-time All-Star.
According to Shams Charania, CP3 is expected to be re-evaluated in roughly a week. For now, the Suns are expected to go on without their leading floor general in Games 3 through 5. Which considering Phoenix is already down two games in a best-of-seven series, reaching Game 5 is no sure thing.
Instead, we may have already seen the last of Paul in a Suns uniform. After acquiring Kevin Durant ahead of the NBA trade deadline, the Suns are sure to continue making more roster changes this offseason. Paul and his partially-guaranteed $30.8 million salary could be the first to go.
While Paul may not hold much trade value at this stage in his career, the potential cap relief, or just his veteran leadership, could be enticing for another team looking to make the leap to contender status in the near future. It should be noted, Paul has yet to win an NBA Championship in his 18-year Hall of Fame career.