Thunderous Intentions
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OKC Thunder: Chris Paul trade to Suns only makes sense if return package is right

By Tamberlyn Richardson

Chris Paul #3 of the OKC Thunder goes up for a shot against the Phoenix Suns. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Chris Paul #3 of the OKC Thunder goes up for a shot against the Phoenix Suns. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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Chris Paul
Chris Paul(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Initial Suns trade offer fails to impress:

Ever the tough conference the West will be even more competitive next season with young teams like the Grizzlies, Pelicans, Kings, Mavericks, and Suns all expected to vie for a playoff berth.

The Disney seeding games and strong close to the season left the Suns desirous to take the next step and subsequently they have their heart set on acquiring Chris Paul to push them over the top.

For GM James Jones, the prospect of a Devin Booker – Chris Paul backcourt coupled with the vet’s leadership could be the missing puzzle piece.

The potential roadblocks for trading Paul are his salary and his desire to play for a contending club. Given the $85+ million he’s owed over the next two seasons it means a potential trade partner has to match the salary which could deplete resources. The NBPA president didn’t fight to get that special contract caveat put in place for veteran players without every intention of opting into his 2021-22 final year of $44.2 million.

Phoenix is a team that can match the salary requirements but the rumored initial offer of Ricky Rubio, Kelly Oubre, and one draft pick isn’t one Sam Presti and the Thunder wants.

While the Suns wouldn’t need Rubio if they had Paul, the Thunder aren’t keen to add players with multi-year deals particularly players they don’t want to retain. Conversely, Oubre is coming off a torn meniscus but more concerning is whether he’d be open to re-sign next summer when his contract is up. Initially, the 2020 Suns draft pick (10th) was said to be off the table but  The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor stated in his updated mock draft it’s back on the table.

Phoenix could theoretically offer draft picks in future years as they own all their picks. There are also a number of young assets the OKC Thunder would prefer to be part of the package coming back. No doubt, Mikal Bridges would be at the top of the preferred list. Consider the Paul George trade to the Clippers and remember LA initially said Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was untouchable. Clearly, SGA became the core asset Presti wanted in order to get the deal done.

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