Potential Release of Chris Paul by Phoenix Suns, L.A. Lakers Emerging as Possible Destination
The Phoenix Suns are contemplating their future with point guard Chris Paul, report from Shams Charania suggests. The team could cut ties with Paul financially, potentially paving the way for a move to the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Suns' management is engaged in reorganization this week. Besides considering trade possibilities for center Deandre Ayton and possibly releasing backup shooting guard Landry Shamet to create financial room, they have also appointed Frank Vogel as their new head coach and boosted assistant coach Kevin Young's salary significantly, making him the highest-paid assistant in the league at $2 million annually.
Vogel has also retained Dave Fizdale on his staff, who previously served as a top assistant under Vogel with the Los Angeles Lakers. Fizdale maintains a close friendship with All-Star forward Kevin Durant, offering an exciting collaboration between the two for the Suns.
The Suns currently stand with +850 odds for the 2023-24 NBA championship, as per DraftKings' preseason odds.
CP3's Phoenix Future Uncertain
Paul, 38, is contracted with the Suns for two more seasons, set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2025 at age 40. He has communicated his intention to continue playing for additional seasons.
In the 2023-24 season, Paul's contract accrues $30.8 million, with only a part of it guaranteed. The following season, he is set to earn $30 million and will have a non-guaranteed final year contract.
If the Suns release Paul before June 28, only $15.8 million of his contract will be guaranteed.
The Suns have communicated to Paul and his agent, Steven Heumann from CAA Sports, that they can trade Paul, outright cut him, or stretch/waive his guaranteed salary.
Should the Suns release Paul and choose to spread his contract out, they will pay him $3.16 million per season over the next five years. This move would free up vital financial room and enable the Suns to employ a taxpayer midlevel exception worth $12.2 million to bring on a veteran player.
If Paul ends up clearing waivers, he will become a free agent and might reconsider returning to the Suns at a reduced salary to chase a championship and continue playing alongside Devin Booker and Durant.
Paul remains titleless in his career, and at this stage, chasing a championship may hold more appeal than financial compensation.
Lakers Lead Betting for Paul's Signature
Paul, a 12-time NBA All-Star point guard, has experienced numerous injuries, particularly in the latter stages of his career and during the playoffs. He sat out multiple games in the second round against the Nuggets due to a groin injury.
Last season, Paul recorded 13.9 points, 8.9 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game. Although he ranked fourth in assists, his scoring average was the lowest of his career. The New Orleans Hornets initially drafted Paul with the 4th overall pick in the 2005 NBA Draft and named him the 2006 NBA Rookie of the Year. He has also spent time with the Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets, and Oklahoma City Thunder.
Paul is certain to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Currently, he ranks third in all-time assists and steals, behind John Stockton and Jason Kidd. If he continues playing for a few more seasons, he has a chance to surpass Kidd.
The Los Angeles Lakers are keen on enhancing their starting point guard for this off-season. Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving has been linked with the Lakers in off-season rumors, but the team maintains no interest in Irving.
It would be unwise for the Suns to cut Paul and then pay him $15.8 million to join the Lakers in the upcoming season.
DraftKings posted a prop bet on the team where Paul will register his first minute of the 2023-24 campaign. The Lakers lead the betting odds to acquire Paul at +500, followed closely by the Philadelphia 76ers (+700), Boston Celtics (+800), Suns (+1000), Los Angeles Clippers (+1000), Miami Heat (+1000), and the Mavs (+1000).
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