Phoenix Suns Could Waive Chris Paul

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Phoenix Suns v Oklahoma City Thunder
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 02: Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns yells during the fourth quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center on April 02, 2023 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)
Chris Paul could be on his way out of Phoenix in the coming days.

In a shocking turn of events, the Phoenix Suns have met with Chris Paul and informed the veteran point guard that he could be waived before a guaranteed salary clause in his contract triggers on June 28th. Paul, who turned 38 earlier this month, has been in Phoenix since 2020. He was a trade acquisition from the Thunder. However, he has turned into a core piece for Phoenix.

However, the Suns are currently in the midst of a roster dilemma, with a number of weighty contracts set to drag the franchise into cap hell. Unfortunately, this is something of the franchise's own doing. The team made a number of blockbuster trades as they went all-in on winning in 2023. Next year, Paul is owed $30.8 million. However, he is only owed $15.8 million if he can be removed from the roster before June 28th.

Suns Meeting With Paul

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 25: Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns attempts a three point basket against Russell Westbrook #0 of the LA Clippers during the fourth quarter in game five of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Footprint Center on April 25, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

According to sources who spoke with ESPN, the Suns met with Paul on June 7. This meeting was to discuss his future with the team. As part of those discussions, the team openly told Paul he could be waived. However, per ESPN, "The Suns insist that they're still working through several possibilities on Paul's future." As recently as last week, ESPN's Tim McMahon reported that Paul's place on the team was reportedly safe. Furthermore, center DeAndre Ayton was believed to be the main trade piece for the Suns.

As it stands, the Suns are currently $74 million over the NBA salary cap heading into next season. It's quite possible, given that this may necessitate the trading/waiving of Paul, Ayton, and other key contributors, that the Suns' championship window has closed for the moment. However. Paul is reportedly eager to stay with the Suns and his waiving is not yet confirmed. Despite this, it does appear that being waived, unless an equitable trade can be found, is the most likely outcome. Last season, Paul put up 13.9 points per game and 8.9 assists (4th highest in the NBA). However, he was largely unavailable during the playoffs due to a recurring late-season injury. This is a developing story and we'll have any updates here at HotNewHipHop.

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About The Author
Ben Mock
Benjamin Mock (they/them) is a sports and culture writer working out of Philadelphia. Previously writing for the likes of Fixture, Dexerto, Fragster, and Jaxon, Ben has dedicated themselves to engaging and accessible articles about sports, esports, and internet culture. With a love for the weirder stories, you never quite know what to expect from their work.
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