Chris Paul Rumors: NBA Executives ‘Keep Sideways Glance’ at Suns Star as Trade Target | News, scores, highlights, stats and rumours

The Phoenix Suns have shown no interest in trading veteran point guard Chris Paul before the Feb. 9 NBA deadline. However, that doesn’t mean it’s completely off the table.

NBA executives are “monitoring” Paul as a potential trade target with the franchise’s new ownership taking over in the near future, according to Matt Moore of Action Network.

With Mat Ishbia poised to take over as governor, the Suns could be aggressive in their approach to acquiring new players before the deadline. The Athletic and the Stadium Shams Charania reported on Jan. 19 that Phoenix is ​​willing to trade a first-round pick and possibly pay salary “for good players and winning acquisitions.”

That doesn’t mean Paul is moving, but given his recent injury history, it wouldn’t be surprising for the Suns to at least consider whether they can acquire a better replacement, such as Toronto Raptors star Fred VanVleet, who has been linked in the commercial rumors of recent times.

Paul, 37, has appeared in just 30 games this season due to injury. He’s also not having the best statistical season by his standards, averaging 14.3 points, 4.4 rebounds and 8.7 assists while shooting 45.0 percent from the floor and 40.5 percent from the field. depth

The Suns are currently ninth in the Western Conference with a record of 26-25. It’s been a disappointing season for the franchise, which finished first in the conference last season with a 64-18 record.

Paul, who is under contract until 2025, is far from the team’s only problem, however. So moving him probably wouldn’t give the Suns a better position in the Western Conference.

Devin Booker, Cameron Payne, Landry Shamet and Josh Okogie have all missed time with injury. Also, Jae Crowder hasn’t played for the team this season like him pursue a trade

The Suns still have a little more than a week to decide what they want to do before the deadline. If they don’t make some improvements, it’s unlikely they can compete with the best teams in the West, like the Denver Nuggets and Memphis Grizzlies.