Suns to be 'incredibly active' before deadline; Chris Paul available?

Under new owner Mat Ishbia, the Phoenix Suns are taking an aggressive approach to the Feb. 9 trade deadline.

The Suns "are expected to be incredibly active over the next several days to add to the roster," according to The Athletic's Shams Charania.

On Sunday evening, Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report revealed that the Suns offered Chris Paul, Jae Crowder and a first-round pick for Kyrie Irving, but the Brooklyn Nets ultimately chose the Dallas Mavericks' package instead.

Many were surprised to see Paul included in Phoenix's offer, but it seems that the Suns are open to moving the veteran point guard if the right offer comes along.

While the Suns are determined to build around Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton, Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson, Charania notes that "the future of Chris Paul is uncertain." 

While Paul is under contract for two more years, it's worth noting that only $15,800,000 of his $30,800,000 salary is guaranteed next season. In 2024-25, none of Paul's $30,800,000 salary is guaranteed.

This season, Paul is averaging 13.8 points, 8.6 assists, 4.4 rebounds, 1.7 threes and 1.4 steals on .435/.389/.822 shooting splits. The 37-year-old has appeared in 34 games, averaging 31.8 minutes a night.

Charania mentions that the Suns have been pursuing Toronto Raptors point guard Fred VanVleet. Phoenix has also been mentioned as a possible destination for Raptors wing O.G. Anunoby, if Toronto decides to move him. The Suns will certainly monitor Kevin Durant's availability as well following the Irving trade. 

At the very least, Phoenix is expected to move Crowder, who has sat out this season while the Suns look for a trade partner. A number of playoff contenders have shown interest in Crowder.

The Suns are currently 29-26, which is the fifth-best record in the Western Conference. Phoenix has the NBA's seventh-ranked defense (allowing 109.9 points per 100 possessions) and 17th-ranked offense (scoring 111.1 points per 100 possessions).