The NBA world was sent into a spin earlier this week when rumors of Chris Paul being waived were circulated and incoming Suns coach Frank Vogel has since spoken out.
Despite the rumors not being quite true, Phoenix are reportedly considering their options which include waiving, stretching or trading the veteran guard.
But Vogel, for his part, said he wants Paul to stay at the franchise so they can win a championship together.
“I think he’s got a great opportunity to win a championship,” Vogel said on SiriusXM NBA Radio on Friday. I know he’s very motivated by that and I’m very motivated to be the guy that helps him get there. I’m very interested in coaching Chris and Chris being back with us. I’ve communicated that to him.
“There’s just that, an intangible piece that you cannot overlook when you’re talking about a guy like Chris Paul, right? Just the toughness, the IQ, the intelligence of just dissecting it and understanding there’s certain guys in his league that they just have a feel of knowing whatever, you know, being able to dissect a game and understand what’s happening within that game and figure out what chess pieces to move to get that win. I mean, he’s an ultimate winner and I think he’s a vital part in what we do next year.”
The team are looking for ways to retain the 12-time All-Star but financially it may not be viable.
“The Suns met with Paul and his representation Wednesday, according to multiple reports, and addressed the likelihood that Phoenix could waive the future Hall of Fame point guard before his $30.8 million salary becomes guaranteed June 28 — leaving the franchise on the hook for just $15.8 million of Paul’s 2023-24 earnings, Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer reports.
“…with this year’s guarantee date fast approaching, Phoenix’s front office was already exploring backcourt additions before the trade deadline, league sources told Yahoo Sports, with a particular eye on point guards who could have relieved Paul during this postseason or perhaps replace him in the future.”
B/R’s Chris Haynes reported on Wednesday that the Suns had waived Paul but this was then disputed by other NBA Insiders.