At this year’s trade deadline, the Phoenix Suns took a massive swing, trading for Kevin Durant in an attempt to improve their championship odds. They gave up a massive haul that included Mikal Bridges, Cameron Johnson, and lots of first-round picks.
And while they got through the first round of the playoffs, their season ended the same way it did last year—they lost in a blowout in their final game of the season.
Last year, it was at the hands of the Dallas Mavericks. This time around, the Denver Nuggets blew them out in Game 6. Two-straight years, two-straight blowout losses.
Now, they have a crucial offseason ahead of them. Phoenix has already fired head coach Monty Williams, and more changes are likely in store.
3 Chris Paul trades for the Phoenix Suns to consider
One of those changes will likely be an attempt to trade point guard Chris Paul. His age is clearly getting in the way of his play, and with Devin Booker and Durant leading the charge, they could use some depth.
At 38 years old, Paul still has two years left on his contract. Next season is only partially guaranteed for Paul, so the Suns could waive him and just eat some money, and then the following year is fully non-guaranteed.
However, Phoenix would obviously rather trade him in an attempt to recoup some value in exchange for Paul. The question is, will there be any teams out there willing to trade for the point guard?
With all that in mind, here are three potential trades the Suns should consider involving Paul.
3 Chris Paul trades for the Phoenix Suns to consider: LA Clippers
It’s important to note that most of the Chris Paul trades won’t be too flashy. The days of Paul being one of the league’s best point guards are over, but he could still help get the Suns some value in return.
The LA Clippers have been searching for a point guard for a while now. With Kawhi Leonard and Paul George at the helm (when healthy), they need someone to set up the offense.
Even at his age, Paul would be perfectly suited for that role. On a deep Clippers team, he wouldn’t have to take on a huge load and could instead focus on running the offense in key moments. He’d also have plenty of time to load manage in LA.
For the Suns, this deal would be about adding depth to the roster. One of the main reasons they lost in the postseason this year was because their team was Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and not a whole lot else.
Both Eric Gordon and Robert Covington will be in the final years of their contracts, meaning Phoenix would have some room to work with next offseason.
As far as next year, Gordon’s shot-making and off-ball shooting would be nice additions, while Covington’s defense and floor-spacing could help in a bench or even a starting role.
3 Chris Paul trades for the Phoenix Suns to consider: Orlando Magic
This is definitely a weird trade. The Orlando Magic seem intent on keeping Jonathan Isaac, and it may seem odd for them to trade for a veteran point guard like Chris Paul.
However, the Magic could actually benefit from adding Paul to the mix. They were potentially interested in adding a point guard at the deadline this past year, so why not bring in Paul?
Paul could help mentor Markelle Fultz and the young core in Orlando, feeding Paolo Banchero passes all year long. It could be a great developmental year for the Magic, learning from Paul.
Meanwhile, the Suns would absolutely be taking a risk in this trade. Isaac has been unable to stay healthy throughout the course of his career, and who knows if he’ll play next year?
However, if he does come back and play next season, he would be the perfect player to take some pressure off of Kevin Durant and Devin Booker on the defensive end.
Meanwhile, Gary Harris would also be able to do that. He’s a solid 3&D player who would fit beautifully alongside Phoenix’s stars.
Again, this isn’t the most likely of all the deals listed, but it’s certainly an interesting one to consider from both teams’ perspectives.
3 Chris Paul trades for the Phoenix Suns to consider: Chicago Bulls
This is where things could get spicy for both teams, as this deal completely hinges on the Chicago Bulls’ feelings about Lonzo Ball. However, this could actually work out for both sides.
Chicago needs a point guard. They were solid when Ball was healthy, but now that it’s clear they can’t depend on his health, trading for Chris Paul could help them improve in the immediate future.
Cameron Payne’s return to Chicago would be entertaining, but this deal is all about Paul. Nabbing two second-rounders, including one in 2023, would also be huge for the Bulls.
Meanwhile, the Phoenix Suns would definitely benefit from this deal. Ball is expected to miss the entirety of next season, but he’d be a great long-term fit in Phoenix if they can get him healthy.
And regardless of that, Alex Caruso would still give them an awesome option at the point guard. His defensive presence and shooting would be amazing next to Devin Booker and Kevin Durant.
Plus, if they decide to move on from Deandre Ayton, too, having Andre Drummond as a potential bench center would be a nice luxury for Phoenix.
All in all, this deal could actually help Phoenix improve immediately and, if they get lucky with Ball’s health, in the long run.