A top NBA insider has a surprising update on the future of NBA legend Chris Paul in a Phoenix Suns uniform.
This summer is a pivotal period for the Phoenix Suns organization. The team was already a top team in the Western Conference, but when they made a February trade for Kevin Durant, it changed the expectations and put championship pressure on the roster.
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That was only intensified when the Phoenix Suns were bounced from the NBA Playoffs in the semifinals by the Denver Nuggets. With their championship window getting smaller as Durant nears his 35th birthday, head coach Monty Williams became the first casualty of the immense expectations for the team going forward when he was shockingly fired last month.
Beyond Williams’ dismissal, there has already been speculation that Deandre Ayton and Chris Paul could be the next big names jettisoned this summer, since Ayton’s relationship with the team has been strained over the last few years, and Paul’s age and injury history continue to make him an unreliable and expensive part of the roster.
Phoenix Suns record (’22-’23): 45-37
During a weekend edition of the “Hoop Collective” podcast, ESPN NBA insider Tim MacMahon gave an update on the latest with Ayton and Paul. In his opinion, all signs still point to the big man being moved this summer, despite the addition of new head coach Frank Vogel. However, things may have changed when it comes to the future Hall-of-Fame point guard.
“They’ve got a decision to make on Chris Paul. That one is certainly more likely for Chris Paul to be back. But they need to understand what their potential options are there as well. Obviously, Chris Paul is still a very good player, but at 38 years old if they could somehow turn him into a couple of quality role players, I think that would be something they would have to seriously consider.”
– Tim MacMahon
- Chris Paul stats (’22-’23): 13.9 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 8.9 APG, 1.5 SPG, 38% 3PT
Paul has two seasons left on his Phoenix Suns contract and is set to make $30 million annually. However, this season is only partially guaranteed while next year has no guarantee, which should help some in a potential trade. However, his injury history, especially in the playoffs makes a deal to a contending team a challenge.