Suns Expressing Interest In Ben Simmons, Chris Paul

The Phoenix Suns are showing interest in guard/forward Ben Simmons and point guard Chris Paul — who of course helped them reach the NBA Finals back in 2021.

Per Marc Stein of The Stein Line, both Simmons and Paul are on Phoenix’s radar, though Paul is widely expected to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers.

“Phoenix has been said to covet a veteran ballhandler in the wake of losing Tyus Jones to Orlando in free agency, but it is instructive to note that the Suns first went hard after (Marcus) Smart rather than a pure point guard,” Stein wrote.

Meanwhile, the Sacramento Kings and New York Knicks are reported top suitors of Simmons, as we relayed here.

“League sources say that the Suns have also had some recent dialogue with former All-Star Ben Simmons, who I’m told has drawn interest since free agency began from Boston, New York and Sacramento,” Stein wrote.

Simmons to Suns?

Once viewed as a franchise centerpiece in Philadelphia, Simmons is now fighting to extend his career as a rotational piece, offering size, passing and defensive versatility. He was waived by the Nets in February and signed a short-term deal with the Clippers, but saw limited action in Los Angeles.

NBA insider Jake Fischer floated the Timberwolves as a team where Simmons might fit stylistically, though he clarified Minnesota has not shown any actual interest.

Simmons, 29, remains one of the more recognizable names on the free agent market, though injuries and inconsistency have marked his recent years. He appeared in just 51 games last season between the Brooklyn Nets and Clippers, averaging 6.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and 6.9 assists while mostly serving in a secondary role.

Paul, 40, is expected to sign with LA and then retire following the season, according to a recent report. He spent last season with the San Antonio Spurs, appearing in all 82 games and averaging 8.8 points, 3.6 rebounds and 7.4 assists.