Over the last several weeks, trade rumors have been circulating around Oklahoma City Thunder’s Chris Paul. On Monday, an unexpected trade between the Thunder and Phoenix Suns took place that sent the 35-year old to the Suns.
The Thunder will additionally send Abdel Nader to Phoenix in exchange for Kelly Oubre, Ricky Rubio, Ty Jerome, Jalen Lecque and a 2022 first-round pick.
Last season, Paul averaged 17.6 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.0 rebounds per game. The team made the playoffs, but lost Game 7 to the Houston Rockets in the first round of action.
With the trade, the Thunder now hold 17 first-round picks through the 2027 NBA Draft. For a team seeking young talent, they received exactly what they wanted. For the Suns, a veteran piece such as Paul will improve the team’s chances in a competitive Western Conference.
Paul is signed through the 2021 season, and holds a player option worth roughly $44 million for the 2022 campaign.
