Player 3, the Suns need to sell – Thanks for the memories
After already moving Bridges and Cam earlier in the season, the Suns might as well finish tearing things down and try and move Chris Paul. Although neither of his two remaining years on his contract is fully guaranteed, CP3 is on the books for some $60 million over the next two seasons, and if this past season was any indication, that is way too much.
There is no doubt that when he is on, Paul is still one of the best in the game at dominating an offense and setting up his teammates. Unfortunately, Paul is best in a slower game, which is not today’s NBA. Add in the growing laundry list of injuries over the last three seasons, including multiple playoff problems, and it is impossible to see how the Suns can afford to pay Paul all that money.
Of course, eating half that salary by letting him walk is not an option, and finding a trading partner for a 38-year-old point guard on a massive contract is not easy. No easier than moving a low-motor center or a poor shooting guard. However, this is the reality for the Suns. Phoenix has Booker and Durant, and beyond that, James Jones needs to get to work.