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

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

The Suns "are expected to be incredibly active over the nextseveral days to add to the roster," according to The Athletic's ShamsCharania.

On Sunday evening, Chris Haynes of Bleacher Reportrevealed that the Suns offered Chris Paul, Jae Crowder and afirst-round pick for Kyrie Irving, but the Brooklyn Nets ultimatelychose the Dallas Mavericks' package instead.

Many were surprised to see Paul included in Phoenix's offer, butit seems that the Suns are open to moving the veteran point guardif 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 ChrisPaul is uncertain."

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

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

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

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

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