Phoenix Suns Reportedly Looking Into A Number Of Star Options To Replace Chris Paul

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When the Phoenix Suns acquired superstar Kevin Durant prior to the NBA trade deadline, they immediately became the favorites to win a championship.

But that didn’t happen.

Instead, the Suns struggled to gel and dealt with injuries galore before being eliminated in the second round of the playoffs by the Denver Nuggets.

That led to some drastic changes.

The first was firing head coach Monty Williams. Williams then signed a massive deal to join the Detroit Pistons.

But Phoenix wasn’t done there.

They also waived superstar point guard Chris Paul. Paul, 38, saw a sharp decline in his numbers this past season and missed the majority of the Western Conference semifinals with hamstring injury.

The move leaves the Suns looking for a point guard entering the offseason. And it appears they’re not shy on options.

Phoenix Suns Pursuing Multiple Stars To Replace Chris Paul

Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports reports the Suns are looking into a number of options. Among them includes a potential trade for Portland Trailblazers superstar Damian Lillard.

“Any team with championship aspirations and All-NBA talents like Durant and Devin Booker will start shopping at the glitzier edge of the market and then work downward,” Fischer said. “Portland has valued Suns center Deandre Ayton in the past, sources told Yahoo Sports, but Phoenix is too asset-strapped for any realistic chance of prying Damian Lillard from Portland should the Blazers’ franchise player ultimately seek to play elsewhere this summer.”

Though that move may be difficult for multiple reasons. Fischer also reports that Portland is looking to try to build around Lillard.

“Rival front offices are certainly hoping Lillard plays the card he never has if Portland can’t find suitable upgrades to the Blazers’ roster by dangling the No. 3 pick in this month’s draft,” he wrote. “Although both franchise and superstar appear to be prioritizing building a true playoff contender around Lillard, with ongoing plans to re-sign forward Jerami Grant as well.”

The options don’t stop there, however. Fischer also proposed Philadelphia 76ers superstar James Harden and Lakers guard De’Angelo Russell as possibilities.

Phoenix has a large hole to fill this summer. But their options appear to be plentiful. And new owner Mat Ishbia is undoubtedly hoping to make a splash.