Phoenix Suns Receive: C Al Horford, 2023 First-Round Pick (Top 5 Protected – BOS)

Boston Celtics Receive: G Chris Paul

This trade is all about the future for the Phoenix Suns.

For starters, they’re trading in a 37-year-old for a first-round pick. With Chris Paul being owed significant money through to 2024-25, that’s probably the best value they can get for him at this stage in his career. The pick is protected, but disaster would have to strike in Boston for it not to convey.

Furthermore, Horford’s contract is expiring after this season. This Celtics trade gives the Suns some room to breathe. They clear space on their books and add some draft capital.

It allows them to re-sign Ayton and get a feel for what this group’s ceiling is without Paul. Given his age, that’s a question they’ll need to eventually answer anyway.

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As for the Boston Celtics, this deal assumes that they don’t reach their goal of a 2021-22 championship. As it stands, they’re still in the running. If they fall short, this is an intriguing deal for them.

The Celtics will miss Horford’s brand of versatile defense, but it should be replaceable. What Chris Paul brings to the table will not be.