The Phoenix Suns disappointed many on Thursday. Those that expected them to be NBA Championship contenders were probably shocked by their Game 6 loss against the Denver Nuggets. The Nuggets eliminated them from postseason contention and now it’s onto the off-season. There are now some straightforward questions about the team’s direction. Star point guard Chris Paul could seemingly be on the move this offseason.
Paul’s notably missed games 3-6 of their recent series due to a groin injury. His absence seemingly played a significant role in the Suns’ downfall against the Nuggets.
The veteran point guard isn’t getting any younger. Recent reports suggest that the Suns may opt to go in a different direction. According to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, the Suns are expected to explore what they might get if they traded Paul this offseason. MacMahon even went as far as to say that it is “pretty likely” that Chris Paul will likely play for another team next season.
Paul is set to receive half of his $30.8 million salary in fully guaranteed money for next season if he is not traded by the June 28th deadline.
Given the Suns’ string of disappointments in recent years, the NBA world largely agrees that the Suns may be better off without the future Hall of Fame point guard.
The Phoenix Suns are expected to ‘aggressively’ shop Chris Paul this summer, per @espn_macmahon
It’s ‘pretty likely’ that Chris Paul will be playing for a different team next season 😳
(h/t B/R) pic.twitter.com/nEgtpBooEy
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 12, 2023
If Chris Paul never plays another game as a Sun, I wanna give CP3 lots of love. One of the best to ever play the game. Was a huge part in ending the Suns playoff drought and helping change the culture in Phoenix.
CEEEEEEEE 🐐 pic.twitter.com/uAq0csZVGk
— LEEZUS (@AndrewLeezus) May 12, 2023
Deandre Ayton and Chris Paul may have played their last games as Phoenix Suns.
— PHX Fans (@PHXFansAZ) May 11, 2023
The Lakers are the favorites to land Chris Paul 👀
(Via @betonline_ag ) pic.twitter.com/847b5nKuEN
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 12, 2023
Sounds like big changes are coming to the Suns:
– Possible front office/coaching change
– Suns will trade Ayton
– Will shop Chris Paul
– Will not look to add another All-Star, will look to add high end role players to surround Book/KD https://t.co/06RCBbeUHk
— Inside the Sun (@_insidethesun) May 12, 2023
Reporters asked Paul directly about this report on Friday, where he seemingly plans to take the wait-and-see approach.
“My contract is not up; you know what I mean? Unfortunately, I’m not the GM or anything like that, so we’ll see.”
Chris Paul on whether he sees himself being back with the Suns next season: “My contract not up, but unfortunately I’m not the GM or anything like that. So we’ll see.” pic.twitter.com/iH7YV7IsR3
— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) May 12, 2023
Paul certainly played a massive role in making the Suns a contender in the first place. The organization was in a ten-year playoff drought which was snapped when Paul joined the team in the 2020-21 season. Regardless, they may be planning to go in another direction.
[ESPN]
