The NBA off-season saw its first blockbuster trade today. The Oklahoma City Thunder traded Chris Paul to the Phoenix Suns. The Thunder received Kelly Oubre Jr., Ricky Rubio, Ty Jerome, Jalen Lecques, and a 2022 first-round pick from the Suns.
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The Athletic’s Shams Charania broke the news on Twitter.
OKC has traded Chris Paul to Phoenix for Ricky Rubio, Kelly Oubre, Ty Jerome, Jalen Lecque and draft compensation, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium. https://t.co/QA1hoZlxzM
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 16, 2020
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ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski later reported that Thunder had worked with Paul’s representatives Steve Heumann and Ty Sullivan to get him his preferred destination.
The Thunder worked with Chris Paul's CAA reps — Steve Heumann and Ty Sullivan — to get CP3 to a preferred destination. Sam Presti has a history of partnering with star players on trades, including Paul George, Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 16, 2020
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A big win for the Suns and Booker
Chris Paul has been a part of the NBA for 15 years now. He has worked with multiple playoff teams and has been the floor general for all those teams. An experienced veteran like Paul could really help a young team like the Phoenix Suns.
The Suns have a star in the making with Devin Booker. Paul might be the key element in elevating him to the next level. The 10-time All-Star last season averaged 17.6 points, 6.7 assists, and 5 rebounds per game.
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If he continues to perform like this, the Suns will surely be playoff contenders come 2021.
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DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 24: Devin Booker (1) of the Phoenix Suns drives on Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets during the second quarter on Sunday, November 24, 2019. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
Booker will be entering his prime in the next 2 years. With the addition of Paul, the Suns will have a much longer window to convince their star to stay rather than seek a trade or enter the free agency.
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The former Clippers’ star will also play a pivotal role in the development of the 2018 No.1 pick DeAndre Ayton. Ayton’s development in the coming year will determine whether the Sun could have a great duo or only a star struggling without a good supporting cast.
In Paul, the Suns have got a great guard and a seasoned vet who can play a key role in the development of young talents.
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