Chris Paul addresses being named in Phoenix's offered Kyrie Irving trade package
Suns point guard Chris Paul saw his name come up in trade talks for former Nets point guard Kyrie Irving this past weekend. Having had four trades under his belt (and one near trade) throughout his 18-year career, Paul handled the situation with class.
The 12-time All-Star addressed the media regarding the rumors on Monday, and The Arizona Republic's Duane Rankin shared the comments via Twitter.
"It's a business. I've seen crazier. The way I found out, I was traded from Houston. You just show up to work and be a pro day in and day out. Nobody's exempt from being traded. Find out just like everybody else," Paul said.
"Just keep going to work. Also, understanding teams are always going to do what's best for them. That's why players have to do the same. Show up, got a job to do, and it is what it is."
Despite Paul's lack of concern over the rumors, Suns HC Monty Williams was "bothered" that a player with Paul's resume had his name leaked to the public.
According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, Phoenix offered a package of Paul, disgruntled forward Jae Crowder, and an unspecified first-round pick for Irving. Charania noted that Brooklyn would have been willing to make a deal with the Suns if they offered three first-round picks along with Paul and Crowder.
After Phoenix was reluctant to include the three requested first-round picks, Brooklyn shipped Irving and forward Markieff Morris to Dallas. Brooklyn received guard Spencer Dinwiddie, forward Dorian Finney-Smith, a first-round pick, and two second-round picks. The deal became official on Monday.
Paul, 37, has only played in 34 of 55 possible games this season, averaging a career-low in points per game (13.8). His 8.4 assists per game are the lowest he has averaged since being acquired by the Suns in 2020.
Phoenix was wise to try and upgrade at the position with Paul on the decline but will now need to explore other options quickly. Whether Paul's name appears in other trade offers is unknown, though Phoenix should remain active in multiple negotiations as Thursday's trade deadline approaches.
Last month, Charania reported that Phoenix expressed interest in Raptors point guard Fred VanVleet; perhaps Suns GM James Jones will circle back to those discussions.
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