Before Chris Paul agreed to return to the Los Angeles Clippers, Suns guard Devin Booker reportedly backed the idea of bringing the veteran point guard back to Phoenix.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein via his Substack The Stein Line, Booker was in favor of reuniting with Paul, citing their successful partnership during the Suns’ 2021 NBA Finals run. Stein wrote, “Sources say that Suns star Devin Booker was a fan of the idea, too, given how well he and Paul played together… and with Phoenix seemingly in need of a proven playmaker after Tyus Jones’ free agent departure to Orlando.”
Paul, 40, spent three seasons in Phoenix from 2020 to 2023, helping the franchise reach the Finals and make multiple playoff appearances. During his time with the Suns, he averaged 15.1 points and 9.5 assists per game across the regular seasons.
After a one-year stint with Golden State in 2023–24, Paul signed with the San Antonio Spurs on July 7, 2024. In San Antonio, he played all 82 games and averaged 8.8 points and 7.4 assists while mentoring Victor Wembanyama and leading by example. Paul also passed Jason Kidd on the NBA’s all-time assist and steals lists during the 2024–25 campaign.
Despite speculation linking Paul back to Phoenix, he instead signed a one-year, $3.6 million deal with the Clippers on July 21, 2025. The move marked his return to the franchise where he spent six seasons from 2011 to 2017.
Phoenix’s current need at the point guard position stems from losing Tyus Jones to the Orlando Magic in free agency. With Booker expected to carry more ball-handling responsibilities next season, the Suns had reportedly explored multiple options to add another floor general.
