PHOENIX – Chris Paul’s reunion with the Phoenix Suns was a pipedream for many fans across the Valley, which blew up in smoke after the 40-year-old signing with the Los Angeles Clippers. General manager Brian Gregory and his staff will shift their focus on finding another floor general to join the roster next season. Phoenix’s lone true point guard is Collin Gillespie, with Devin Booker forced to adapt to the team’s position insufficiency.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Suns have an open roster spot to sign a free agent point guard to fill that need, whether as a starter or a leader for the bench unit. There is still plenty of options left in free agency for Gregory to add to next year’s team.
Apr 6, 2025; Portland, Oregon, USA; San Antonio Spurs point guard Chris Paul (3) looks on during the first half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-Imagn Images
Who’s next on the Suns target list?
The top remaining free agent option is Malcolm Brogdon. The 32-year-old is a former sixth man of the year and averaged 12.7 points and 4.1 assists with the Washington Wizards. Brogdon is one of the premier backup scoring point guards in the NBA, but his injury history has held him back. The 2016-2017 rookie of the year has played 63 games in the past two seasons.
Feb 10, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards guard Malcolm Brogdon (15) drives to the basket against San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson (0) during the second quarter at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images
One failed reunion opens the door for another in Cameron Payne. In his four seasons in Phoenix, Payne averaged 9.8 points and 4.2 assists and 38.4% from beyond the arc. The 30-year-old can play as an off-ball shooter for Devin Booker and Jalen Green, while finding them in motion and being an initiator for the offense with the ball in his hands.
Oct 20, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Cameron Payne (15) celebrates a play with Landry Shamet (14) against the Denver Nuggets in the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Other longshot options include former MVP Russell Westbrook, Ben Simmons and Gary Payton II. The Suns low expectations for next season can steer off players, like the trio mentioned, as they aim to play with a team with championship aspirations. Next season is still three months away, plenty of time for Gregory to retool the roster, but a decision on the point guard dilemma should be addressed sooner rather than later.
Chris Paul choose Clippers over Suns for farewell tour, signing a one-year deal
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
