West Notes: Suns, Chris Paul, Warriors, Clippers, Mavs

Suns

• Point guard Chris Paul will miss his 12th straight game Friday with a heel injury, as relayed by Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic.
• Per Rankin, Suns GM James Jones said that Paul is getting “close” to returning, but is still considered day-to-day.
• The Suns continue to explore trades centered on forward Jae Crowder, with around a dozen teams either reaching out or expressing interest, sources told Hoops Wire. We have the latest on that right here.

Warriors

• In case you missed it, forward Draymond Green told Marc J. Spears of ESPN/Andscape he would like to play four or five more seasons, denying that he wants to join Lakers along the way. We have that full post right here.
• Green was fined $25,000 by the NBA for directing obscene language at a fan. He shared his thoughts about it in an Instagram story.

Clippers

• Star forwards Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are practicing Friday and could return to the lineup for Saturday’s game vs. the Kings, per Law Murray of The Athletic. Both players are listed as questionable, an upgrade from “out.”
• Shooting guard Luke Kennard, however, remains out. Kennard did also practice on Friday, per Murray.
• Coach Tyronn Lue said “I’m excited” about the prospects of the majority of the rotation players being healthy. That has only been the case twice this season.

Mavericks

Former point guard Jalen Brunson will face the Mavericks for the first time as a member of the Knicks on Saturday at Madison Square Garde, but indicated it will be just like any other game.

“It’s going to be a battle,” Brunson said, via Fred Katz of The Athletic. Other than that, Brunson said his approach won’t change.

• GM Nico Harrison said new acquisition Kemba Walker‘s knee “is not good,” but that Walker has rehabbed the injury and “it’s the best he’s felt in the last two years,” via Josh Bowe of SB Nation.