By Jordan Long
The Oklahoma City Thunder finished last year at 44-28, making the playoffs for the 5th year in a row. Unfortunately, it was another 1st-round exit this time losing in 7 games to the Houston Rockets. The Thunder decided to part ways with Head Coach Billy Donavan after 5 years. His record was 243-157. Another Thunder is seeking to leave town, Chris Paul.
Paul finished his 1st season with Oklahoma City. Paul averaged 17.6 points, 1.6 steals, and 6.7 assists. On defense, he grabbed 5 rebounds and stole the ball 1.6 times per game. With him as the point guard, they managed to force a game 7 in the playoffs against the Rockets even though that is where their postseason stopped. In those games, Paul scored 21.3 points and 5.3 assists per game. With the Thunder possibly rebuilding with new Head Coach Mark Daigneault, Paul wants to join a winning organization.
The Phoenix Suns are rumored to be the preferred landing spot. The Thunder are discussing a trade for him. It could be done soon.
The Suns were close to a playoff berth last year. They ended up 34-39, missing the playoffs by 1 game. The 8th seed went to the Portland Trail Blazers. The Suns feel this upcoming season is the one that will end their playoff drought. They have not made the postseason since 2010. Paul could be the player to help them reach the 7th or 8th seed in the Western Conference.
The Suns have one of the top young players in the NBA in Devin Booker who is turning into a superstar. He averaged 26.6 points per game last year. They also have a young center in Deandre Ayton, the first pick of the 2018 draft. He finished his 2nd season in the NBA. Booker and Ayton will be the Sun’s foundation for years to come. Adding a veteran like Paul will help elevate their game to the next level.
The Suns will need to make a deal work. It could involve not only them but a few other teams. It is possible an agreement will not be made. If that is the case, another team could be in the mix. One that makes sense is the Clippers.
The Clippers are better than the Suns. They have a team built to win an NBA Championship right now, something Paul has never done. They have two superstars in Paul George and Kawhi Leonard. Both can score buckets and play defense. The Clippers need to add one more piece to their title aspirations. Paul could be that player. In the end, though, the Thunder will find the best destination for Paul to get the most value for him.
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