One NBA writer is proposing that the New Orleans Pelicans acquire Chris Paul from the Phoenix Suns this offseason.
Eddie Bitar of Fadeaway World proposed that the Pelicans send Jose Alvarado, Larry Nance Jr. and Jaxson Hayes to the Suns for Paul, who began his career in New Orleans.
“The last time the New Orleans-based franchise was a contender was when Chris Paul led the charge alongside David West and Tyson Chandler,” Bitar wrote. “Paul could make the team competitive again, except this time, the point guard has more than one or two talented players to compete alongside because Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram are legitimate All-Stars, while CJ McCollum and Jonas Valanciunas are exceptional in what they do best in terms of scoring and rebounding respectively.
“Meanwhile, the Suns need players who are available and always compete on defense because Paul cannot stay healthy consistently and does not exactly provide youth alongside Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. Deandre Ayton is a talented offensive player, but he is not exactly the most defensive-minded big man, and the duo of Larry Nance Jr and Jaxson Hayes would make the paint far more clogged in favor of the Suns. A starting lineup with Alvarado, Booker, Durant, Nance Jr, and Ayton would be tough to compete against on both ends of the court.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Chris Paul, Phoenix Suns & New Orleans Pelicans Updates
Paul could get waived or traded by the Suns this offseason. The 12-time All-Star, who has a partially guaranteed contract for next season, averaged 13.9 points, 4.3 rebounds and 8.9 assists for the Suns this season while shooting 44.0% from the field, 37.5% from beyond the arc and 83.1% from the free-throw line.
It will be interesting to see what the Suns do with Paul this offseason. The future Hall of Famer would like to stay with Phoenix, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, but he may not get his wish since the franchise has a new, aggressive owner in Mat Ishbia.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Chris Paul, Phoenix Suns & New Orleans Pelicans Updates
The Pelicans would need to trade for Paul if they want to acquire him. Our sources have indicated that Paul plans to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers if he is released by the Suns during the offseason.
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