Frank Vogel Says Suns Didn't Waive Chris Paul

There's been plenty of confusion surrounding the future of Phoenix Suns point guard Chris Paul. Head coach Frank Vogel clears the air.

NBA offseason rumors are undefeated, and Phoenix Suns point guard Chris Paul is no exception. 

Paul - who just turned 38 - has been in rumors for a handful of months now. The point guard is clearly slowing down and the Suns (after trading for Kevin Durant) are doing everything in their power to keep their championship window open. 

Phoenix has already made massive changes within the organization, and more is expected when it comes to constructing the roster.

That was thought to have been officially underway when Bleacher Report's Chris Haynes reported earlier in the week the Suns were waiving Paul. The organization has a June 28 deadline to waive him before his $30.8 million deadline becomes fully guaranteed. 

Phoenix is up against the limits of luxury tax, which hampers their ability to improve a roster that desperately needs more help if those championship aspirations are true. Departing from players such as Paul and Deandre Ayton could clear enough space to add valuable depth guys or potentially another star.

Yet there's been plenty of confusion as to what has actually happened with Paul - he's yet to be officially waived by the team but numerous insiders have confirmed talks are still going on with Paul and his representatives on what the future holds. 

This morning, Vogel spoke with Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix and cleared the air:

"Obviously there was a misunderstanding yesterday - we did not waive Chris, as was reported. But there's ongoing conversations about all of the options to improve the roster," Vogel said,

"I personally communicated with Chris and feel strongly about the opportunity to work with him. He's someone I've just had an immense respect for over the years, not only just his game, his toughness, IQ, he's one of the great winners our game has ever seen. He's done so much for this team the last few years, so I'm really hopeful to have an opportunity  to work with him this next year, and I think he can really help us get over the top."

Full clip:

"We did not waive Chris"

Suns HC Frank Vogel speaks with @SIChrisMannix about the latest on Chris Paul pic.twitter.com/Qnl0CtDDWU

— The Volume (@TheVolumeSports) June 10, 2023