Suns Active in Chris Paul Trade Conversations

The Suns are expected to waive point guard Chris Paul if they can’t make a trade — but for now, it seems, making a deal is the priority.

Per Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Suns have been speaking with multiple teams about a trade centered on Paul (via FanDuel TV).

If the Suns can trade him, as opposed to outright waiving him, they may have to throw in something to sweeten the deal, sources told Hoops Wire.

If Phoenix is unable to find a trade involving Paul, it seems as if he indeed will be waived before his $30.8 million contract becomes fully guaranteed on June 28. If he’s waived before that date, he is due half that amount.

There are multiple options when it comes to the Paul situation, both for the Suns and teams that might be interested.

He could be outright waived and enter free agency, then sign with someone else. He could be waived and return to the Suns. He could simply be traded — and that idea isn’t as outlandish as it might sound.

If another team wants to guarantee it lands Paul, the only way to do that is in a trade. If he’s a free agent, he could just sign with someone else.

Paul, 38, has been linked to the Lakers, Clippers, and Spurs, among others.

As for the Suns, it is believed they are looking for an upgrade at the spot, presumably seeking someone younger to run the point alongside Kevin Durant and Devin Booker.

“The Suns are actively engaged in trade conversations I’m told around the league about Chris Paul… They’re exploring multiple options with his future”@ShamsCharania with the latest on CP3 and the #Suns ☀️#RunItBack with @MichelleDBeadle @ChandlerParsons & @bansky pic.twitter.com/1cqcULRKbT

— FanDuel TV (@FanDuelTV) June 13, 2023