Getty
NBA player Chris Paul attends a Take Flight Media Event on July 16, 2013 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)
Getty
NBA player Chris Paul attends a Take Flight Media Event on July 16, 2013 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)
The NBA 2020 off-season is short and lacks too many big names that are considering a move. However, the rumor mill has still successfully kept the trade talks interesting. The one trade that has everybody’s attention is that of Thunder’s Chris Paul.
The equation around CP3 is only getting more complex with the passing days. According to the latest development, Phoenix Suns have shown some real willingness in receiving the veteran. But how solid are these claims?
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Phoenix Suns and their newly sprouted attention for Chris Paul
As per authentic sources, “The Phoenix Suns have had discussions about acquiring All-Star point guard Chris Paul from the Oklahoma City Thunder.”
Now, there has been no comment from Chris Paul on where he can likely move after Thunder. But the Phoenix Suns also seem to be a reasonable location.
The Suns, at one point, were 25-38 in the 2020 regular season. However, they won 9 of their next 10 games and almost missed making the cut into playoffs, just like a tangent. If only they had a vet like Chris Paul in the team, the Lakers would’ve probably met the Suns in Round 1.
Both Devin Booker and DeAndre Ayton will be immensely benefitted if the Suns could land the services of this well-oiled machine.
The Oklahoma City Thunder and Phoenix Suns are engaged in talks on a Chris Paul trade. @WindhorstESPN and @TimBontemps reporting on ESPN: https://t.co/ohOoKidWT3
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 11, 2020
Why is this a win-win for both the Thunder and the Suns?
The 10-time NBA All-star still has two years left on his fat contract with OKC. He is sure to earn $41.45 million in 2020-21 and another $44.2 million (with a player option) in the following year. The Thunder, who is anyway looking for a complete rebuilding, would not like to house an elephant. Having said that, it was for CP3 that they could force Game 7 on the Rockets, but probably that was the best possible outcome.
On the other hand, the Suns have $20 million in excess in their salary cap. They are one of the few sides that can actually do justice with the hefty contract requirements of the aging Paul.
Lastly, for Chris, the fact that he has played for the Suns’ coach in the past will surely help. While playing for the Pelicans in the 2010-11 season, he played under Monty Williams and admires his game knowledge. Still, it will take a lot of churning before he can finalize his choice.
