Could Rockets Pursue A Trade For Suns' PG Chris Paul?
HOUSTON — The Houston Rockets are determined to add veterans to their roster, and their yearning could create a reunion with several former players. A homecoming for James Harden appears inevitable. And according to Patrick Beverley, he could join the former league MVP in Houston.
But should the Rockets fail to acquire either player, the most prominent being Harden. The Athletic reported that Chris Paul could become a target for the Rockets this summer if the Phoenix Suns make the future Hall-of-Famer available for trade.
"They also said acquiring a veteran point guard is Houston’s primary objective, meaning even if a move for Harden didn’t materialize, names like Mike Conley, Jordan Clarkson, Donte DiVincenzo and even former Rockets player Chris Paul could be considered should they become available." — per The Athletic.
General manager Rafael Stone has expressed Houston's desire to add veteran players to their young corps this off-season. And given the impact he had on the Oklahoma City Thunder during the 2019-20 campaign, it would make sense why any rebuilding team would want Paul as a veteran leader.
But his lone season with the Thunder came due to his jettison from Houston. The Rockets traded Paul to OKC in July 2019 in favor of Russell Westbrook. Owner Tilman Fertitta was the "driving force behind the trade." And the relationship between the two respective parties did not come to a pleasurable end.
Enough time has passed for both sides to reconcile. Paul has helped revise two franchises since the Rockets traded him to the Thunder, while Houston has fallen into an abyss.
Paul averaged 13.9 points, 8.9 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 1.5 steals in 59 games for the Suns this season. He could still be productive on any team he plays for amid his 19th season.
Following a disappointing end to the 2022-23 season, ESPN reported that Paul will be one of two players the Phoenix Suns will "aggressively shop" this off-season. No team has become a possible destination if the Suns explore the trade market.
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