Phoenix Suns Receive: G Kyle Lowry, 2023 First-Round Pick (MIA) 

Miami Heat Receive: G Chris Paul 

With both of these floor generals nearing retirement, it feels appropriate to celebrate their storied careers. 

Chris Paul’s ascent to stardom was inevitable from the moment he joined the NBA. As a member of the New Orleans Hornets, his elite ball-handling and floor vision made him one of the best pick-and-roll guards we’ve ever seen in this league. If you looked up “pure” in a (basketball-specific) dictionary, you’d find a picture of Paul. 

By contrast, Kyle Lowry was not supposed to be here. For the first several seasons of his career, he appeared to be a long-term role player. Lowry was a late bloomer.

Hard work eventually landed him in a starring role. If you were to find his name under a word in that same dictionary, it may be “tenacious”. 

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Chris Paul, Phoenix Suns & Miami Heat Updates

Both of these players have had careers worth celebrating. On the other hand, we’re not talking about the past – we’re focused on how productive either could be in 2022-23. 

Can the Suns afford this potential downgrade?