The Houston Rockets could reunite with Chris Paul if they don’t get James Harden this NBA offseason.
According to Kelly Iko of The Athletic, the Rockets want to acquire a veteran point guard this offseason and Paul fits that bill.
“Former franchise player and current 76ers guard James Harden is the top target for Houston in free agency, according to league sources, representing the veteran leadership and elite point guard needed to establish structure and offensive cohesion,” Iko wrote. “Outside of Harden, other high-ranking targets for Houston include Brook Lopez, Dillon Brooks and restricted free agents Cam Johnson and Austin Reaves, league sources said.
“They also said acquiring a veteran point guard is Houston’s primary objective, meaning even if a move for Harden didn’t materialize, names like Mike Conley, Jordan Clarkson, Donte DiVincenzo and even former Rockets player Chris Paul could be considered should they become available.”
Paul played two seasons with the Rockets from 2017-18 to 2018-19. The 12-time All-Star averaged 17.1 points and 8.0 assists in 116 games and helped Houston reach the 2018 Western Conference Finals, where the team lost to the Golden State Warriors in seven games.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Chris Paul, Phoenix Suns, James Harden & Houston Rockets Updates
A future Hall of Famer, Paul currently plays for the Phoenix Suns. CP3 signed a four-year, $120 million contract with the Suns in August 2021. The Suns are likely to guarantee the full salary of Paul for the 2023-24 season, according to Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report.
“Paul, 38, is only guaranteed $15.8 million of his $30.8 million wage if he were to be waived by the June 28 deadline,” Haynes wrote. “Phoenix still maintains some flexibility with the decision, but the franchise is currently of the mindset that Paul will open up next season as the team’s starting point guard, sources say.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Chris Paul, Phoenix Suns, James Harden & Houston Rockets Updates
Paul averaged 13.9 points and 8.9 assists for the Suns this season. He suffered a groin injury in Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Denver Nuggets and missed the rest of the series.
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