Chris Paul Trade Rumors: Suns, Knicks, Bucks, Lakers?

There’s plenty of intrigue around Chris Paul right now.

Especially after his showing with the Oklahoma City Thunder last season. In a year where the team could have fallen quietly into a rebuild, he played elite-level basketball and mentored a young group to a postseason appearance.

I spoke with NBA columnist Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson about the trade interest for Paul, who he says will become the NBA “doula” in reference to Erykah Badu. Paul’s performance in Oklahoma City shows his supreme value in helping young teams get better.

Chris Paul, Knicks trade that I had heard NY had lined up was: Elfrid Payton, Bobby Portis, Frank Ntilikina, Kevin Knox, 2021 2nd round pick via Hornets & 2021 2nd round pick via Mavs in exchange for CP3. pic.twitter.com/mXdcrbXRR7

— Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson (@ScoopB) September 16, 2020

The New York Knicks are a known suitor for Paul. Brandon referenced this tweet from September where he heard the rumblings of a trade deal for Paul to land in New York.

Brandon also tweeted about a meeting with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bucks management in September. In that meeting, Giannis presented a wish list of stars he’d like to play with. Chris Paul was apparently on that list.

Now the reported list of teams with interest in Paul includes the Suns, Bucks, Knicks, Mavs, Jazz, Sixers, Nuggets, and Pelicans.

I'm really curious if Chris Paul prefers more of a legit ring scenario like Milwaukee versus another pit stop scenario in Phoenix or New York.

Talked to my guy @ScoopB about the latest trade interest for CP3.

Full video via @bbsociety_: https://t.co/6c9qSkI6OP pic.twitter.com/vVRHcWSOHQ

— Martin S. (@marsoaries) November 11, 2020

The Phoenix Suns seem to have the latest genuine interest in making a run at Paul.

via ESPN:

The Suns could have in excess of $20 million in salary-cap space going into the transaction season, leaving the possibility that they could assemble a trade and still look for other free agents.

Paul played a season under Suns coach Monty Williams in New Orleans from 2010 to 2011, and he has spoken highly of Williams in the past. Paul has also praised the Suns’ style of play.

“His basketball mind … I used to get so excited before the games about the plays he was drawing up,” Paul told reporters before facing Williams’ Suns in December.

Paul has two years and $85.5 million left on his contract, which is a motivation for the rebuilding Thunder to consider trading him. The Thunder, however, have told teams that they remain interested in keeping Paul for next season.

With the latest news of Russell Westbrook wanting out of Houston, plus the reported circulation of Jrue Holiday out of New Orleans, some high-tier lead guards could be on the move soon.