Both Phoenix Suns and Chris Paul are exploring multiple ways to find beneficial resolution for both sides this offseason which includes a potential split up, sources told Shams Charania of The Athletic earlier.
In contrast to what Bleach Report’s Chris Haynes reported, Charania has detailed that both the Suns and Paul are looking at different options which includes a trade, waiving and stretching his contract over multiple years, or waiving and potentially re-resigning him in free agency.
Meanwhile, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN further added that besides Paul, the Suns intend to place Deandre Ayton for potential trade opportunities which will create a major shake up within the franchise this offseason.
Amid the ongoing pondering of Phoenix, Paul has reiterated his desire to still run it back and contend alongside Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. As such, his representatives made it clear to the franchise to make necessary decisions prior to June 28.
Paul still has $60.8 million left in his contract with the Suns. Only the $15.8 million of his $30.8 million salary for 2023-24 is marked as guaranteed for him to earn. The franchise has until the mentioned date to decide if they will assure Paul to ultimately earn his entire income for next season.
The 38-year-old star point man has shown further signs of aging this season as he only played 59 games and tallied 13.9 points – a career-low in 18 years of being in the NBA.
A potential release and eventual re-sign with Paul will allow the Suns to be more flexible on their enlarged cap status as they also hold the hefty deals of Durant, Booker and Ayton.
But should a trade come up as the best option to pick, they may at least locate significant trade offers to strengthen their roster as Paul still remains primed to contribute in any team regardless of his age and injury history.