One NBA writer is proposing that the Boston Celtics acquire Chris Paul from the Phoenix Suns this offseason.
Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report proposed that the Suns send Paul to the Celtics for Marcus Smart and Grant Williams. Phoenix is actively trying to trade Paul, who has a partially guaranteed contract for next season.
“There are multiple paths to get Paul to Boston, and this would admittedly rank among the most expensive,” Buckley wrote. “The Celtics could wait and see whether the Phoenix Suns waive Paul before his $30.8 million salary becomes fully guaranteed on June 28, but that would add a host of other suitors to the equation.
“Sure, he could pick Boston, but what are the chances he actually would? The Shamrocks could sidestep that guessing game entirely by trading for Paul ahead of the guarantee date. His salary is steep, but if it’s offset by the money owed to Marcus Smart and whatever Grant Williams gets in restricted free agency, Boston might break even here.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Chris Paul, Phoenix Suns & Boston Celtics Updates
Despite Paul having a large salary, the on-court benefit of adding a facilitator to orchestrate the offense alongside Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown would provide a major boost.
“Move past the finances, and it’s all too easy to get giddy about Paul’s on-paper fit,” Buckley explained. “Getting him to Boston means immediately lightening the offensive load shouldered by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, neither of whom should be a team’s primary playmaker. Paul, 38, may have lost some layers of his game over time, but that part remains elite. His 8.9 assists per outing this season looked all the more impressive when weighed against his 1.9 giveaways.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Chris Paul, Phoenix Suns & Boston Celtics Updates
Williams becomes a restricted free agent this offseason, so this trade Buckley proposed between the Suns and Celtics would have to be a sign-and-trade deal.
“The Suns, meanwhile, could certainly be on board with the idea of flipping Paul and his cost-prohibitive salary for a pair of plug-and-play contributors,” Buckley wrote. “Smart’s offensive limitations would be easier to mask with offensive focal points like Devin Booker and Kevin Durant on the floor. Williams could scratch Phoenix’s itch for frontcourt depth while providing a reliable three-ball and defensive versatility.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Chris Paul, Phoenix Suns & Boston Celtics Updates
Paul averaged 13.9 points and 8.9 assists for the Suns in 2022-23 while shooting 44.0% from the field and 37.5% from beyond the arc. If Phoenix can’t trade CP3, the franchise is expected to waive or stretch his contract.
Only $15.8 million of Paul’s $30.8 million salary for the 2023-24 season is guaranteed if he’s waived.
Want the latest in NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
