5 Chris Paul replacements the Phoenix Suns could target this off-season

Phoenix Suns target No. 3 – James Harden

While he’s not a traditional point guard like Chris Paul, James Harden could potentially be in line to take over ball-handling duties in Phoenix. Per Sirius XM NBA Radio host Brian Geltzeiler, the MVP winner has Phoenix on his radar as he ponders what to do with his player option this off-season. If the current Philadelphia 76er opts to test the free agent market and has Phoenix on his radar, it is not too controversial to say that the Suns should kick the tires on it.

While he’s not the player he once was, Harden can still undoubtedly play at a high level. This past season, he led the entire league in average assists with 10.7 per contest while also averaging 21 points. Not only would pristine scoring and facilitating help Harden fit seamlessly in Phoenix, but his prior experience with Kevin Durant, having played with him at two other stops, could also be a key factor. When healthy, those two were incredibly exciting, and with Devin Booker added in, they could be among the league’s most formidable trios.

For now, all the Suns can do is wait and see if Harden decides to opt out of his $35.6 million player option for next season. After taking a pay cut last off-season, it seems likely that he will do so. The 76ers would seemingly still be the favorites to have him on the roster next season, but it wouldn’t be too surprising if Harden took his talents elsewhere. While there have been rumblings about him potentially returning to the Houston Rockets, perhaps the Suns could join the conversation if the guard is indeed interested in joining them.