Author: Monojit Mandal
The point guard market is expected to see substantial movement during the NBA summer, and attention has turned to Chris-Paul’s future in Phoenix, adding another star to the equation. The Suns met with Paul and his agents on Wednesday to explore various options, considering the possibility of waiving the future Hall of Fame member before his $30.8 million salary is guaranteed on June 28. In doing so, the Suns would only be responsible for US$15.8 million of Paul’s salary in 2023-24.
The Suns would like to keep Paul on a new contract at the veteran’s minimum and, at the same time, use the taxpayer’s $5 million mid-level exception to bring in another key rotation component. However, if Phoenix decides to waive and extend Paul’s remaining contract, the team’s annual operating expenses will be forcibly reduced and the team will have access to the entire mid-level exception. On the negative side, this strategy would prevent the Suns from signing Paul to a new contract.
Although the formal airing of these situations is new, the Suns have been aware of his situation since Paul signed his four-year, $120 million contract in 2021. Paul’s full $30 million salary for the 2024-25 season is not guaranteed, giving the Suns the possibility of saving $45 million on the overall contract if Paul’s play deteriorates or injuries continue. According to league sources, with the guarantee date approaching, the Suns front office is already exploring possible additions to the backcourt, especially during the trade deadline, with an eye on point guards who could relieve Paul in the postseason or potentially replace him in the future.
Despite the Suns’ frequent association with Terry-Rozier as a possible target, sources say the team’s front office, led by president and general manager James Jones, has not actively sought Rozier from the Charlotte-Hornets. The Suns, on the other hand, are interested in Immanuel-Quickley, a finalist for the Knicks’ Sixth-Man of the Year award, since his entry into the 2020 NBA draft.
Payton Pritchard, a former first-round pick who is currently out of Boston’s rotation, also won the Suns’ management’s preference.
The Suns are also interested in Davion-Mitchell, a rookie wing from the Sacramento Kings. According to league experts, Phoenix is also watching Monte Morris of the Washington Wizards and Gabe Vincent of the Miami Heat.
Although each of these players had talent, most of them were seen as stepping up during the season, rather than as permanent replacements. The Suns have few options to find a quality replacement for Paul. Gabe Vincent’s outstanding performance in the post-season, averaging 13.6 points a game and shooting 40.2% from beyond the arc, has increased his value and could put him out of reach of the Suns, especially if he requests an offer beyond the mid-level.
Other viable options, such as Fred VanVleet, would require a sign-and-trade situation after Paul’s guarantee date, making it difficult for Phoenix to obtain his services. Teams would demand compensation to cover Paul’s $30.8 million cap hit if they had restricted trade assets left over from his last deal with Kevin Durant. Rival executives are also preparing to receive additional offers from clubs with available space, such as Orlando and Houston, making it difficult for Phoenix to compete. The same applies to any extension negotiations with Toronto.