Chris Paul Wants to Stay With Phoenix Suns Amid Trade Rumors

• Chris Paul wants to stay with the Phoenix Suns
• Multiple reports indicated that Paul was waived by the Suns after another embarrassing exuit from the playoffs
• New coach Frank Vogel said he wants to work with Paul next season

Phoenix Suns star Chris Paul has refuted claims that the team has waived him by saying he wants to stay.

Earlier this month, multiple reports indicated that Paul was set to be waived by the Suns, who recently hired Frank Vogel to replace Monty Williams.

The Athletic reported that the veteran point guard and the Suns were exploring several options, including a trade, waiving and stretching his contract, or waiving and possibly re-resigning him in free agency. The 38-year-old would attract a lot of interest in free agency.

His $30.8 million for the 2023/24 season will become fully guaranteed on June 28. If the Suns waive him before that deadline, they are set to pay him $15.8 million even though he could join another team, per USA Today.

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Paul addresses trade rumors

Speaking to 12Sports during an interview about his new book titled “Sixty-One – Life Lessons From Papa, On And Off The Court,” he said he plans to stay with Phoenix.

“Absolutely, absolutely,” said Paul. “I don't want to be anywhere else. You've never heard me come in and say I don't want to be here you know what I mean. But I understand the business of this league, the dynamics or whatnot. So we'll see.”

It will be an interesting postseason for Paul, who took the Suns to the 2021 NBA Finals, per CBS Sports. The Suns present the best chance for Paul to win the title since they have two great players, Kevin Durant, and Devin Booker.

Paul is entering his 19th NBA season after averaging a career-low 13.9 points and 8.9 assists in 2022–23 in 59 games.

Vogel wants Paul to stay

Phoenix Suns set to hire ex-Lakers coach Frank Vogel as new coach

NBA

Sports Brief earlier reported on new Suns coach Frank Vogel saying he wants Paul to stay with the team.

He said the team did not waive the veteran guard, but they are still exploring ways to improve the team. The former Lakers coach added he wants the team and Paul to another stab at the championship next 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...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."