Should Chris Paul be traded? Suns and Clippers express keen interest in Thunder guard ahead of new season
Chris Paul for the Phoenix Suns? The trade is a possibility. As the NBA 2020-21 season looms large, trades and acquisitions will take the attention and one of them is about the Suns expressing a keen interest in roping in the veteran Oklahoma City Guard. The side has been involved in high-name trades in the past and according to ESPN, while there is no imminent deal at the moment, the talks between both sides are on.
Paul is known for that scintillating gameplay he brings in at clutch moments. One of the highlights in the previous season where their playoff encounter against the Houston Rockets showcased his brilliance. It wasn't just the shots Paul took in their first playoff round Game 6 against James Harden & Co.
Fifteen of his 28 points came in the fourth quarter, including eight of the Thunder's final 12. Adding to this was Paul calling the play and expertly guiding his team through the Rockets defense. Ideally, Dennis Schroder should have capitalized on the shots early on, but with the Rockets on a narrow lead, Paul's ploy was to just close the gap and rely on their three-pointer success formula to take the Thunder home.
Coming back to the Suns, they are the young, skilled bunch with Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton at the helm. They had a decent 2019-20 season and with the team going through an overhaul with a new practice arena along with the renovation of Talking Stick Resort Arena, there's a lot to look forward to from the quality side. To add to this, Paul has worked with Suns coach, Monty Williams in the past and has been lavish in his complements with the brand of basketball they play.
According to ESPN, Paul spoke highly of Williams' acumen. "His basketball mind ... I used to get so excited before the games about the plays he was drawing up," Paul told reporters before facing Williams' Suns in December. The Thunder man still has two years and $85.5 million left on his contract, and that would also mean Thunder would consider having him on the side for another season. He's had an impressive run last season where he averaged 17.6 points, 6.7 assists and 5.0 rebounds.
Should he be traded?
Ideally, another season with Thunder could mean another shot at the title. His playmaking has held the side in good stead and his experience is something they could use, However, rumor mills also suggest the Clippers, his former side want him back. Or more specifically, Kawhi Leonard wants a playmaker who will take them to a sure-shot title. Two crucial components that could help them is the fact he's coming off an All-NBA second-team selection last year and proved with his brilliant campaign leading the Thunder, and at 35, he is still an impact player with the ability to develop players.
What are your thoughts on the Chris Paul trade news?