Should Suns Fear Lakers' Interest in Chris Paul?
There's been plenty of commotion between the Phoenix Suns and Chris Paul as of late.
Paul arrived to Phoenix just a few years ago and has helped the organization reach heights such as the 2021 NBA Finals and franchise record 64 wins in a regular season.
Despite being close, no championship has been brought back to the Valley, and changes have been swift under new owner Mat Ishbia, who acquired Kevin Durant in a blockbuster deal while firing Monty Williams shortly after the season.
It's no secret the Suns have been searching for Paul's replacement, as the 38-year-old point guard hasn't lived up to his $30.8 million price tag that's due next season.
That figure becomes fully guaranteed on June 28, and the Suns have been exploring potential options with just two weeks remaining.
One potential option would be waiving Paul and moving on, which was what Bleacher Report's Chris Haynes initially reported last week before others denied it happening just yet.
Regardless, the possibility of Paul walking to another team is on the table.
Bleacher Report's Greg Swartz went through each team's biggest fear this offseason, and believes the Suns don't want to see the Point God join a heated rival.
"The Suns have a decision to make on Paul before June 28th when his $30.8 million contract becomes fully guaranteed. If Phoenix waives Paul to save $15 million, they run the risk of him signing with a Western Conference competitor, most notably the Los Angeles Lakers," said Swartz.
"With Paul's family located in L.A., LeBron James putting on his best recruiting efforts, a need at point guard and real salary cap space to offer instead of a veteran's minimum, the Lakers have to be considered the 38-year-old's most likely landing spot.
"There's a good chance the Suns and Lakers would meet up in the playoffs next year in what would be an incredible series. Paul playing a role in potentially ending Phoenix's season is a risk the Suns would be taking by waiving him now."
Paul to the Lakers certainly makes sense, and NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski named Los Angeles in a handful of teams that would be interested in a previous report.
“If Chris Paul is out there as a free agent this summer, look at the two teams in L.A., the Clippers and Lakers, the Knicks in New York, the Golden State Warriors,” Wojnarowski said.
“Those would all be potential destinations for Chris Paul, who would then sign a deal at a much lower number than the $30 million he’s guaranteed in Phoenix if he stays there past that June 28 deadline.”
The Suns would certainly have to be sure that they can secure a viable option if Paul does indeed depart, though he told The Arizona Rebublic's Duane Rankin he wanted to remain with the team.
When it comes to Paul specifically joining the Lakers, it's obvious Los Angeles likes what they have going for them after making the Western Conference Finals. Would Paul be the missing building block, and would Phoenix's play ultimately drop off that low?
Likely not for either question. Phoenix should be fixated on how they can best build their basketball team, regardless if Paul says or heads to LA.
