Odds of Phoenix Suns’ Chris Paul Joining 76ers

Chris Paul could soon become available. Which team is favored to land him?

The Phoenix Suns are trying to figure out the future of their backcourt. Earlier this week, it was revealed that there is a realistic shot that the 12-time All-Star guard Chris Paul will find himself waived and hitting the free agency market early.

While there were conflicting reports on Paul’s current availability, the guard has not been waived at this time. However, the Suns are still undecided on whether or not they want to move on from Paul — and how they would part ways with the veteran guard if they decide that’s the direction they’ll take.

Waiving Paul is still an option. So is a trade. Considering Paul’s owed $30.8 million for next season, half of which is guaranteed until the full guarantee kicks in on June 28, the Suns will likely have a hard time finding a trade suitor at the moment — especially when waiving the guard is an option that teams across the league know is on the table.

There is a chance Paul becomes available, and other teams step in to try and get him to sign. The Suns could also retain him on a revised deal. 

In the event that Paul has played his last game with the Phoenix Suns, who are the current favorites to land his services?

The Long Shots

There are five teams with odds listed at 10/1 or worse, according to BetOnline. Among those teams are the San Antonio Spurs (20/1), Chicago Bulls (14/1), New York Knicks (12/1), Minnesota Timberwolves (10/1), and the Golden State Warriors (10/1).

We’ve seen Chris Paul play a season with a young team that wasn’t contending for a title in recent years, and the veteran guard did a solid job of steering the ship. The Spurs would be an interesting landing spot for the veteran, but Paul is at a point in his career where he wants to compete for a title.

The Favorites

Six teams have odds of 7/1 or better of landing Paul this offseason, according to BetOnline. The New Orleans Pelicans (7/1), Miami Heat (6/1), and Los Angeles Clippers (6/1) could be squads that inquire and intrigue Paul but seem unlikely.

Then, there’s the top three which includes the Boston Celtics (5/1), Dallas Mavericks (4/1), and Los Angeles Lakers (3/1). Considering the Lakers are frequently on the hunt for veteran standouts, especially at the guard position, it doesn’t come as a surprise they are viewed as favorites to land Paul early on in the offseason.

Where do the Sixers Rank?

BetOnline has placed the Sixers’ odds of landing Paul at 9/1. Not a total long shot, but far from a favorite. Everybody knows the Sixers are targeting a star guard in free agency, and are well-aware of the fact that their priority prospect is James Harden.

While Harden could return to the Sixers on a one-year option, many expect the veteran to decline and hit the open market. Plan A for Philadelphia is to re-sign Harden. If they are forced to search for a Plan B, then those odds of landing Paul could increase.

For the time being, the Sixers are likely to keep an eye on the situation out in Phoenix but probably aren’t making any plans to target the veteran playmaker.