The Phoenix Suns have notified Chris Paul that they intend to seek a resolution this offseason that fits the veteran star and the Suns organization, which could include parting ways, league sources said. The Athletic.
The Suns and Paul are exploring multiple options, league sources said The Athleticincluding a trade, waiving and extending his contract for several years, or waiving and potentially re-signing him in free agency, league sources said.
The Suns had preliminary discussions Wednesday with Paul’s agent, Steven Heumann of CAA Sports and explained they will explore all options.
Bleacher Report first reported the news that the Suns had reached out to Paul about their plans.
The Suns have a June 28 guarantee deadline on Paul’s $30.8 million contract. About $15 million is currently guaranteed.
Backstory
Paul, 38, spent the past three years in Phoenix, helping lead the Suns to the 2021 NBA Finals. He missed the last four games of the Suns’ playoff run with a groin injury. Phoenix’s season ended with a 125-100 Game 6 blowout in the Western Conference semifinals.
Following the exit, coach Monty Williams was fired and replaced by Frank Vogel, who joined the team on Friday.
The 12-time All-Star averaged a career-low 13.9 points to go along with 8.9 assists and 1.5 steals per game in 59 contests last season.
A member of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, Paul has career averages of 17.9 points, 9.5 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 2.1 steals per game.
The 2006 NBA Rookie of the Year was selected to 11 All-NBA teams, nine All-Defensive teams, led the league in steals six times and in assists five times. He is third in NBA history in both steals and assists.
How did Suns get here, Paul
The last Phoenix media saw of Paul came the day after the Suns were eliminated in the conference semifinals, during player exit interviews at the organization’s practice facility. While the assistant coaches talked at one end, Paul grabbed a basketball and began his usual workout. Earlier, Paul, who recently turned 38, made it clear that he is not done yet.
“I’ve been in this NBA longer than some of the people who cover it,” Paul said. “I remember when games ended with 85-80 scores. I don’t talk about it much, but I know this game almost better than anyone. I put that against anyone. That will not change, my knowledge of the game, and I will continue to put in the work.”
Paul is no longer an NBA All-Star. And with his body collapsing in the postseason, there are legitimate questions about his reliability. But he can still help the Suns (or any opponent). If Phoenix can’t trade him, then waiving and re-signing him makes sense, as long as Paul is willing to take less money. After Paul injured his groin in the semifinals, the Suns missed his leadership and presence. Those qualities are not easily replaced. – Haller
Required reading
(Photo: Bart Young / NBAE via Getty Images)
