Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul (3) listens to head coach Monty Williams (not pictured) during a time out in the first quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Suns were prepared to unload Chris Paul in big trade

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Larry Brown | Last updated 2/5/23

The Phoenix Suns are not having the season they were hoping for, and the team apparently was prepared to trade away one-star player.

The Suns were among the teams who pursued Kyrie Irving in a trade. According to reporter Chris B. Haynes, the Suns offered Chris Paul, Jae Crowder and some draft pick to the Brooklyn Nets for Irving.

Sources: Brooklyn Nets received Los Angeles Lakers’ proposal that did include team’s two first-round picks (2027, 2029) and Phoenix Suns’ offer of Chris Paul, Jae Crowder and unspecified picks: @NBATV pic.twitter.com/cJuABbaYGy

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) February 6, 2023

The Nets wound up choosing the Dallas Mavericks’ trade offer. They found the combination of capable current players (Spencer Dinwiddie and Dorian Finney-Smith) and future picks (including a 2029 1st-round pick) to be most appealing.

Paul is 37 and making $28.4 million this season. He is set to make $30.8 million next season, with just $15.8 million of that guaranteed.

The veteran is in his third season with the Suns and averaging 14.1 points, 8.5 assists and 1.3 steals per game. His health has been a problem, as usual, as he has only played in 32 games this season.

Paul is a big name and good player, but the big question with him always has to do with his availability and penchant to get injured in the playoffs.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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