Why The Phoenix Suns Do The Deal 

By contrast, the Suns are built almost exclusively around off-ball stars. 

That’s not to say Devin Booker can’t function with the rock. He certainly can. Still, he typically operates like more of a conventional off-guard: unlike Edwards, he doesn’t command so many on-ball possessions as to make a pairing with a ball-dominant point guard a problem. 

Meanwhile, Deandre Ayton is best used as a pick-and-roll finisher. His partnership with Russell ought to be fruitful, and the same goes for the floor-spacing Mikal Bridges. 

Still, this isn’t necessarily about improving in 2022-23 for the Suns. It’s about recognizing that their contending window under Paul’s guidance may be closing. Here, they land a talented point guard in the same age group as the rest of their best players.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Chris Paul, Phoenix Suns & Minnesota Timberwolves Updates

Moreover, he’s on an expiring contract – the Suns can see what they have with Russell in 2022-23, and make decisions next summer accordingly. 

Who knows what decisions they might make? If they’re forced to begin rebuilding, don’t be shocked – without an NBA championship, teams don’t normally stick around the top of the league for long.