Phoenix Suns Coach Frank Vogel Addresses Chris Paul’s Future With the Team

• New Phoenix Suns coach Frank Vogel has said they have not waived Chris Paul
• News emerged this week that the team had waived the veteran point guard
• Vogel said he intends to keep Paul and try to take another stab at the NBA title

New Phoenix Suns coach Frank Vogel has dismissed rumors that they have waived Chris Paul.

News broke this week that the team was exploring several options, including a trade, waiving, and stretching his contract.

Paul has played the last three seasons with the Suns. He helped them reach the 2021 NBA Finals but lost to the Milwaukee Bucks. The 38-year-old missed the final four games of the Suns with a groin injury. Phoenix were eliminated in the second round by the Denver Nuggets.

If Phoenix waives Paul, the veteran point guard will most likely become a highly sought-after free agent for teams looking to contend for a title. However, the Suns will need to make that decision before his $30.8 million contract for the 2023/24 campaign becomes guaranteed on June 28. If they waive him before that deadline, they will still pay him $15.8 million, per USA Today.

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Furthermore, they could still waive him and sign him for less than $30.8.

Vogel explains Paul's future

The Suns confirmed Vogel as their new coach after they fired Montry Williams following an embarrassing exit from the playoffs. He said the team did not waive the veteran guard, but they are still exploring ways to improve the team.

"There was a misunderstanding yesterday. We did not waive Chris. But there are ongoing conversations about all of the options to improve the roster, which include trades, a waiving of certain players and retaining the guys that we have back," via SI.

Vogel said he wants to work with Paul and take another stab at the championship. Paul averaged a career-low 13.9 points per game in the 2022/23 season.

"I feel like there’s a bigger picture to him having an opportunity with this group to take another last run to get that championship for him. And he’s done so much for this team the last few years, so I’m really hopeful to have an opportunity to work with him this next year. And I think he can really help us get over the top."

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Paul is a 12-time All-Star and a member of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team. He has been named to 11 All-NBA teams and nine All-Defensive teams, per the Athletic.

Paul's daughter heckled

Sports Brief earlier reported on Paul saying his daughter got bullied at school because he hasn't won an NBA championship.

Paul has played 18 seasons in the NBA, and although he's had a hugely successful career, his lack of championship success continues to be held against him.

He came close in 2021 with the Suns.