The first blockbuster of the truncated 2020 NBA offseason has now gone through. As NBA news hits fast and furious right now, the Oklahoma City Thunder have traded future Hall of Fame guard Chris Paul to the Phoenix Suns.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski, the Suns have sent Ricky Rubio, Kelly Oubre, Ty Jerome, Jalen Lecque and a 2022 first-round pick to Oklahoma City in the blockbuster trade.
NBA news: Suns acquire Chris Paul in blockbuster trade
To say that Phoenix has been looking to find a running partner for star shooting guard Devin Booker would be an understatement. Rubio failed to pan out in his first and only season in the desert.
Chris Paul, 35, is an absolutely huge get for the upstart Suns. The 10-time All-Star averaged 17.6 points, 5.0 rebounds and 6.7 assists on a resounding 49% shooting from the field in his only season with Oklahoma City following the blockbuster Russell Westbrook trade.
Rumors had persisted that the Suns were in on acquiring Chris Paul over the past week. Now that trades can be made official, this is the biggest NBA news of the young offseason.
Related: If you’re a fan of the Suns, check out #RisePHX rumors, rankings, and news here.
Teaming Chris Paul up with Booker and stud young big man Deandre Ayton is going to help the Suns compete for a playoff spot in 2020-21 after a strong performance during the NBA restart in Orlando.
As for the Thunder, they acquire a still-young wing in Oubre who should help the team continue its rebuild project under general manager Sam Presti. Oubre, 24, averaged 18.7 points and 6.4 rebounds on 45% shooting from the field last season. He’ll slide in as Oklahoma City’s starting small forward.
As for the first-round pick in 2022, it’s protected 1-12 that year. There’s further protections in 2023 and 2024, too.
This promises to be a start to what many believe will be a busy offseason around the NBA world. That’s for sure.