The Phoenix Suns were one of the biggest surprises this season in the NBA. After falling just short of the postseason in the Orlando Bubble in 2020, they came out with a chip on their shoulder this season.
The Suns went 51-21 this season, earning the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. It was an impressive feat and one that resulted in Monty Williams winning Coach of the Year. A big reason for the team’s turnaround was the acquisition of point guard, Chris Paul.
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Paul was acquired from the Oklahoma City Thunder, along with Abdel Nader, in exchange for Kelly Oubre Jr., Ty Jerome, Jalen Lecque, Ricky Rubio and a 2022 first-round draft pick. The deal was a big win for the Sus, as Paul helped stabilize their backcourt alongside Devin Booker and push them to the next level they were hoping to reach.
There were some discussions that Chris Paul could even be in the MVP race, as he averaged 16.4 points, 8.9 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game.
While the Suns will undoubtedly be focused on their first-round series with the Los Angeles Lakers, they know in the back of their heads that this offseason will be a big one. Chris Paul will become a free agent and retaining him is priority No. 1-5 for the organization this offseason.
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Luckily for Phoenix, it sounds like Paul will return. Adrian Wojnarowski, on The Woj Pod, said it’s hard to see Paul leaving Phoneix, as that is where he wanted to be when he was traded by the Thunder.
One team to keep an eye on would be the New York Knicks. Much like Phoenix at this time last year, the Knicks are looking for an upgrade at the point guard spot and a veteran of the caliber of Paul could push them to the upper echelon of the Eastern Conference.
The influence of Leon Rose, Paul’s former agent, is a strong one. But, if Paul wanted to be in Phoenix last offseason, it is hard to imagine his feelings changed after the season that they had.
