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The Phoenix Suns have expressed no interest in trading veteran point guard Chris Paul before the NBA’s Feb. 9 deadline. However, this does not mean that he is completely off the table.
NBA executives are “keeping a side eye” on Paul as a potential trade target to take over the franchise in the near future, according to Matt Moore of the Action Network.
With Matt Ishbia set to take over as manager, the Suns could be aggressive in their approach to acquiring new players before the deadline. Athletics and stadium Shams Charania He reported on Jan. 19 that Phoenix could trade a first-round pick and take on some salary “in exchange for good players and acquisitions.”
That doesn’t mean Paul will be moved, but given his recent injury history, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Suns could at least find a better replacement, such as Toronto Raptors star Fred VanVleet. Related to business rumors of late.
Paul, 37, has only appeared in 30 games this season due to injury. He’s not having the best statistical season by his standards, averaging 14.3 points, 4.4 rebounds and 8.7 assists on 45.0 percent shooting from the floor and 40.5 percent from deep.
The Suns are currently ninth in the West with a 26-25 record. It was a disappointing season for a franchise that finished first with a 64-18 record last season.
Paul, who is under contract until 2025, is far from the team’s only problem. So moving him won’t put the Suns in a better position in the Western Conference.
Devin Booker, Cameron Payne, Landry Shamet and Josh Okogie are out due to injuries. Also, Jae Crowder hasn’t played as well for the team as he has this season. He chases business.
The Suns still have a little over a week to decide what they want to do before the deadline. Unless they make some improvements, it is unlikely that they will be able to compete with the top teams in the West such as the Denver Nuggets and Memphis Grizzlies.