Phoenix Suns Receive: G Spencer Dinwiddie, F Reggie Bullock, 2025 First-Round Pick (DAL)

Dallas Mavericks Receive: G Chris Paul

At this point in his career, Chris Paul is so hungry for a ring that we have to assume a little “if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em” logic would be appealing to him.

This trade makes the same assumption about the Dallas Mavericks as the last one did about the Boston Celtics: that they don’t win the 2021-22 championship. As Conference finalists, both teams are already close enough to justify trading for Paul if they fall short.

It’s not hard to imagine Paul complementing Mavericks star Luka Doncic. After all, he was tremendous next to James Harden, and Doncic is his direct descendent. Paul is the perfect co-star for a ball-dominant, heliocentric offensive force. He can morph between on-ball creator and off-ball weapon seamlessly.

The Suns, once again, gain financial flexibility and draft capital here. Dinwiddie’s deal runs a year shorter than Paul’s, at about $9 million less on an annual basis. Along with a first-round pick, that’s plenty of incentive to move on from Paul.

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If that’s even what the front office wants to do. The future was once bright in Phoenix, but now, it’s mired in uncertainty.