After three seasons, it appears the Phoenix Suns could be looking to move off of their point guard, future Hall of Famer Chris Paul, this off-season.
Only about half of Paul’s salary is guaranteed for next season, and according to Yahoo Sports NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Suns left rival teams with the impression that they were looking to move Paul before they traded for Kevin Durant several months ago. It is growing increasingly likely that Paul’s days in Phoenix are numbered, and if that is the case, they will need a replacement at the point guard position. As Phoenix looks to retool this off-season, let us look at five candidates to be their starting point guard next season.
Phoenix Suns target No. 1 – Terry Rozier
Terry Rozier isn’t the flashiest name on this list, but he’s someone the Suns are indeed reportedly keeping an eye on. As Fischer noted in his aforementioned reporting, Rozier has been linked to the Suns via league personnel. His name is bound to be a staple in these rumors over the next several months as the Suns test the market for a new floor general.
Rozier has been one of the more underrated point guards league-wide over the past few seasons. Since signing with the Charlotte Hornets in 2019, he’s averaged a quality 19.7 points, 4.5 assists, 4.3 boards, and 1.2 steals per game. He’s coming off his best scoring season to date, having put up a career-high 21.1 points per game during the 2022-23 season. The guard is a lethal scorer and shooter while also being a pesky defender and solid facilitator. He’d fit like a glove with the Suns, as Rozier would be the perfect third piece alongside Devin Booker and Kevin Durant.
If the Suns do want Rozier, they would have to put together a trade package, as Rozier is in the second year of a four-year contract with the Hornets. It’s unclear what Charlotte would want in a trade for Rozier, but Phoenix should aim to find out if they want a younger guard leading the show at point guard. His $23.2 million salary is quite hefty, but the Suns have the pieces to get a trade done if they do believe Rozier is their point guard of the future.