5 Potential Chris Paul Replacements the Suns Should Consider This offseason
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Chris Paul has just been waived by the Phoenix Suns, leaving many to wonder what is next for the franchise. The Suns are in win-now mode as they recently acquired Kevin Durant towards the end of the regular season. Now the Suns need to find a Point Guard to replace Paul's minutes. Here are five potential options the Suns could go with to become championship contenders next season.
5. D’Angelo Russell
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D’Angelo Russell has now had his second disappointing stint with the Los Angeles Lakers, and it seems unlikely he will return to the team. When Russell plays to his potential, he is a very solid scorer and can help any team that needs an extra offensive boost. Even after waiving Paul, the Suns have very little cap space remaining to make a big move. However, they can sign a player using the mid-level exception (11 million per year). Due to Russell having a disappointing season, it is certainly possible he will agree to a one-year deal worth roughly 11 million. He could do this to prove he can be an important piece to a championship contender, and then sign for much more money next offseason. Russell is more likely to stay healthy and has a lot more to prove than Paul at this stage of his career.
4. Russell Westbrook
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Russell Westbrook's value has been questioned recently based on his play on the Lakers in the past two seasons. With that said, he had a great end to his season with the Clippers during the playoffs, including Game Four of the first round in which he had 37 points, six rebounds, and four assists. Westbrook also has experience playing with Durant, which could increase their chances of success. Westbrook may be willing to take a pay cut to play for a championship-contending team, increasing the likelihood of Westbrook to the Suns becoming a reality.
3. Dennis Schroder
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While Schroeder may not be nearly as flashy of a name as Westbrook or Russell, he is a perfect complimentary player who they have the best odds of signing at a cheaper deal. During his season with the Lakers, Schroeder averaged 12.6 points per game (PPG) and 4.5 assists per game (APG). These are very solid numbers for a player who will likely make close to the minimum next season. This would also allow the Suns to make more moves with their remaining cap space rather than going all in on one guy.
2. Fred VanVleet
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Fred VanVleet has a $21,500,000 player option coming up that he will likely decline. This would make him an unrestricted free agent. The Suns would not be able to afford VanVleet outright. However, they may be able to implement a sign-and-trade to acquire the veteran. The Suns could try a package that includes a sign and trade of Paul, trading Landry Shamet, 2024 and 2025 second-round picks, and the right to swap first-round picks in 2024 for Van Vleet. This would give the Suns a better and more durable star Point Guard. For the Raptors’ side of things, this would give them more draft compensation for the future as well as a veteran Point Guard to pair with Pascal Siakam in hopes of more success for next season.
1. James Harden
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While James Harden to the Suns may be unlikely based on Phoenix’s cap situation, the Suns should do all they can to try and make it happen. It is clear that Harden wants to win a championship before he retires. The 76ers continue to lose in the second round. If he returns to the Rockets, the team likely won't be a title contender for the next few years. That means joining Phoenix may be his best chance to win a title. Harden may force his way to Phoenix by telling the 76ers he is leaving in free agency. The 76ers then can sign and trade him to Phoenix for Paul, Shamet, three future second-round picks, as well as the rights to swap first-round picks in 2024 and 2026. This move would allow the 76ers to add Paul to their team without losing Harden for nothing. For the Suns, they would add a third superstar to their core and likely compete for championships for years to come.