The Phoenix Suns are one of the landing spots for free agent guard Chris Paul, but the latest report could keep the organization away from a reunion. Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press reported that Paul wants to be a starter, which is why he hasn't made a decision yet.
Mat Ishbia recognized that the Suns needed a cultural reset as they entered the offseason after yet another disappointing season. He promoted Brian Gregory to GM and hired first-time head coach Jordan Ott to replace Mike Budenholzer. Phoenix traded Kevin Durant to Phoenix, getting Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks in return. The Suns traded for Mark Williams during the first round of the draft and also selected Khaman Maluach at No. 10, and on the following evening, traded up to select Rasheer Fleming and drafted Koby Brea ten picks later.
Phoenix's roster looks drastically different from what it did a few weeks ago, and the Suns aren't done yet, either. One of the moves they could make is bringing Paul back to the desert. There was a strong team culture when he played for the Suns a few years ago. He's a future Hall of Famer who is just as much of a leader off the court as he is on it. Why wouldn't Phoenix want to sign him? Because maybe the Suns don't want to give him a starting role.
Chris Paul wants to be a starter, we're told, which is part of the reason why he evidently hasn't made up his mind yet. Clippers still very hopeful he picks them.
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) July 2, 2025
Suns free agent target Chris Paul wants to start for his next team
Part of what made the Ott hiring exciting for Phoenix is that the head coach wants to play at a fast pace, something Devin Booker has been asking for. Paul would slow things down. The Suns desperately need another point guard, though. Having Paul would keep Booker from running point. Are those two things enough for the Suns to cave into CP3's demand of being a starter?
Being a starter doesn't mean Paul will average 30 minutes per night, but it could be enough reason for Phoenix to be hesitant about signing him. On the other hand, the Suns want to make a push for a championship in a powerful conference, so perhaps that will be enough for the front office to push for bringing him back.
As Reynolds noted, the Clippers are the other frontrunner for CP3, so Phoenix could lose out to LA. Paul also wants to be closer to his family in Los Angeles. The Point God sweepstakes should come to a close soon. Will the Suns commit to letting Paul be the starting point guard? If so, he could return to the Valley.