Phoenix Suns Could Create Possible Plan B Option for 76ers
The Phoenix Suns once again rocked the NBA on Wednesday night. Not long after shocking the hoops world by firing the former Coach of the Year winner Monty Williams after coming up short in the second round of the 2023 NBA Playoffs, the Suns are also considering moving on from their veteran point guard, Chris Paul.
It’s not the idea that Chris Paul and the Suns might part ways this offseason that had everybody shocked. It was more about the way the Suns were reportedly considering going about it.
At first, the Suns reportedly notified Paul that he was going to be waived this offseason, which would allow the veteran point guard to hit the free agency market and find a new team. However, the Suns haven’t hit the button just yet.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Suns “insist they’re still working through several possibilities for Paul’s future.” Therefore, Paul isn’t guaranteed to be waived at this time. Instead, the Suns are going to explore trade opportunities involving the veteran guard.
But waiving Paul is not out of the question. Considering Paul’s contract is partially guaranteed, the Suns could avoid paying him the full $30.8 million he’s owed for the season and only have to fork up $15.8 million instead. In order to avoid the full salary, Paul would have to be waived by the June 28 deadline.
Paul will be a name to keep an eye on for many teams, even including the Philadelphia 76ers. In the past, the Sixers were rumored to have shown interest in the veteran guard as they searched for an experienced facilitator to pair up with the All-Star big man, Joel Embiid.
While that was back in 2020, prior to Paul’s run in Phoenix, and the arrival of James Harden, the 12-time All-Star could be a potential backup plan for the Sixers if their goal of fulfilling Plan A doesn’t work out.
At this point, it’s clear the Sixers want to bring James Harden back to Philadelphia. Publicly, Sixers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey mentioned that getting Harden back is a top priority this offseason.
While Harden’s return to the Houston Rockets seemed like a sure bet a couple of weeks back, the latest discussion surrounding the ten-time All-Star has described Harden as “torn” between his two most popular options, which are a reunion in Houston or a return to Philly.
Even with Harden’s future up in the air, the Sixers have to keep other paths in mind. In the event that Paul becomes available on the open market, the Sixers could be a team to keep an eye on if they know that Harden is headed elsewhere this offseason.
