The future of Chris Paul with the Phoenix Suns is in doubt, as rumors are swirling about a possible trade this summer. The 38-year-old point guard missed the final four playoff games due to an injury, and his absence was felt by the team as they lost twice and were eliminated from the Western Conference Semifinals series 4-2 against the Nuggets.
With two years left on his current contract worth $60.8 million, the Suns are considering trading Paul before June 28th, when his salary becomes guaranteed at $30.8 million for the 2023-2024 season. The first year of his contract is partially guaranteed at $15 million, which gives the Suns a small window to explore their options.
ESPN’s Tim MacMahon spoke about the Suns’ possible plans to trade Paul on the Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective podcast (via HoopsHype), saying, “I certainly would anticipate they aggressively shop Chris Paul before that June 28 deadline that will guarantee his salary from 15.8 to 30.8. I think it’s pretty likely that Chris Paul is elsewhere next year.”
This past season, Paul averaged 13.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 8.9 assists in 32 minutes per game. While he helped lead the Suns to the NBA Finals in his first year with the team, they were eliminated in the conference semifinals twice in his three-year tenure.
