According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, the Suns haven’t found many suitors for Chris Paul‘s $30.8MM contract, which is partially guaranteed at $15.8MM.
They lack the draft capital to move off Paul’s salary, Fischer notes, and trade rules make it tricky to find a workable deal between two parties, as Paul’s outgoing salary for matching purposes is only $15.8MM, but his incoming salary for his new team would be the full $30.8MM.
That has led the Suns to explore three-team scenarios for Paul, Fischer reports, with the goal of finding a team with cap room to take on the veteran guard’s salary. Rival teams think the Spurs might be an option in that scenario, though it’s unclear whether they’d have any interest in Paul, and it seems unlikely he’d want to stick with a rebuilding club.
Despite already having Zach Collins and the No. 1 overall pick in next week’s draft, which they will use on 7’5″ French phenom Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs appear to be in the market for a starting-caliber center, per Fischer, with the goal of reducing the Wembanyama’s workload as a thin incoming rookie.
As for players the Suns are targeting in the three-team talks, sources tell Fischer that Phoenix continues to be intrigued by Hawks forward John Collins, and he adds a new name as well: Celtics guard Malcolm Brogdon, the reigning Sixth Man of the Year.
Brogdon, who has a $22.5MM cap hit in each of the next two seasons, could be on the move due to Boston’s financial situation and roster makeup, with a glut of guards that includes Marcus Smart, Payton Pritchard and Derrick White. Fischer confirms the Celtics are looking for help at other positions, and rival teams think White is the least likely of that group to be dealt.
Smart idea
Huge upgrade for Suns (Paul is done in playoffs)
Suns don’t even need to offer a first round pick because they don’t have it.
Lillard/Nurkic. Ayton/Paul + picks. Win-win.
Scoot get mentored by one of the best with Ayton settled in at center while the Suns accomplish two things by getting their PG and moving Ayton and replacing him with a serviceable center that can be solid when healthy. Not sure if the money works, but I believe it should be somewhere in the ballpark with perhaps a couple of additions to modify/level out salary.
Sometimes I think you two are the same person
That hurt.
I said it yesterday. Ayton and Wainwright for Brodgon, Danilo, Pritchard and Kornet and a pick
Then find another PG and all set
Go get your man Phoenix lol
This may be the one guy who misses more games or is hurt more than Chris Paul is. He isn’t cheap, either.
Brogdon like Paul I’d NEVER available when his team needs him. Again out for the Celts during crucial games. People over look it because he was a bench player for them. But if PHX brings him in he will miss playoff games gauranteed.
You are correct …. Malcolm Brogdon is just a younger version of Chris Paul in terms of injuries. His career was re-ignited with the Celtics because they were able to limit his minutes. You start putting more than 22-25 minutes a night on those knee’s and he is done. During the Playoffs he is nearly guaranteed to go down. An intense stretch of 20+ games just doesn’t vibe with him staying healthy.
Marcus Smart is a far better target because with KD and Booker you don’t need him to shoot.
Whose enticing the Spurs? Zero incentive for them to take Paul especially if he’s destined to be waived.
I just can’t see Suns moving Ayton. Especially now with his value low. But if they really want to go that way. Call the Knicks
Quickley, Mitch, Fournier, and picks.
Malcom Brogdon was & is great for the Celtics! He took over the scoring, driving to the basket and making key and necessary threes in many games when the J’s were off. Hope the Celtics finances doesn’t require a trade! Go Celtics!