The Phoenix Suns have been linked to two players to replace Chris Paul next NBA season, according to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports. The two guards are Toronto Raptors All-Star Fred VanVleet and Charlotte Hornets veteran Terry Rozier.
“Paul only has $15.8 million of his $30.8 million salary guaranteed for next season, and there will be plenty of league-wide discussion surrounding Phoenix’s options for moving the future Hall of Fame point guard,” Fischer wrote on May 12.
“The Suns already left rival teams with the impression they were searching for a long-term replacement for Paul before they pulled off that trade deadline blockbuster for Durant, league sources told Yahoo Sports, and have been linked by league personnel to ball-handlers from Fred VanVleet to Terry Rozier.”
Paul signed a four-year, $120 million contract with the Suns in August 2021. His salary for next season is partially guaranteed, and Tim MacMahon of ESPN reported that the Suns are expected to explore a Paul trade this summer.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Terry Rozier, Fred VanVleet, Chris Paul & Phoenix Suns Updates
CP3 averaged a career-low 13.9 points this season and suffered another injury in the playoffs. The 38-year-old hurt his groin in Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Denver Nuggets and missed the rest of the series.
VanVleet, who is nine years younger than Paul, signed a four-year, $85 million contract with the Raptors in November 2020. He can become an unrestricted free agent this summer if he declines his 2023-24 player option worth $22.8 million and Fischer reported in February that the Suns are expected to pursue VanVleet this offseason if the talented guard hits unrestricted free agency.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Terry Rozier, Fred VanVleet, Chris Paul & Phoenix Suns Updates
The one-time NBA champion averaged 19.3 points, 4.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists for the Raptors this season.Meanwhile, Rozier signed a four-year, $96.3 million extension with the Hornets in August 2021. In 63 games in 2022-23, Rozier averaged 21.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and 5.1 assists. The Louisville product will make $23.2 million next season.
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