Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G Kyrie Irving, G Landry Shamet
Phoenix Suns Receive: G Russell Westbrook, 2027 First-Round Pick (LAL)
Brooklyn Nets Receive: G Chris Paul, C Dario Saric, 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL — Top 8 Protected)
I know what you’re thinking. Why would the Phoenix Suns want to trade Chris Paul away in a deal that lands them Russell Westbrook in return? Hear me out for a moment.
Let’s not forget how he played over the final five games of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Dallas Mavericks. Paul was brilliant during the opening two games of the Suns’ series against the Mavericks.
Paul led the team to a 2-0 series lead and even scored 14 of his 28 points during his Game 2 performance in the fourth quarter alone. He averaged 9.4 points and 5.8 assists with 3.6 turnovers per game for the remainder of the series.
Paul seemingly decided it was acceptable for him to coast for most of the game to preserve himself for the fourth quarter. The Mavericks figured that out quickly and decided to load up on Devin Booker throughout the earlier portions of the game.
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If the Suns want to go in the opposite direction of a point guard that plays it too safe when the bright lights are shining, they can certainly do it here with Russell Westbrook.
Again, if there’s one thing Westbrook will do, he will go out gunning instead of playing it safe. The common complaint with him is that he instead is too aggressive and gets out of control too often. Often when some solve problems, swinging in the opposite direction is how they choose to go.
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While Westbrook will be 34 years old early next season, he will still be a few years younger than Paul. Perhaps most intriguing of all about this scenario: Westbrook will be on an expiring contract while Paul is signed through the next three seasons.
