Rumors suggest the Phoenix Suns may be eyeing a reunion with Chris Paul, but bringing back the 40-year-old veteran could end badly. Paul, a future Hall of Famer, played a major role in leading the Suns to the 2021 NBA Finals and even finished fifth in MVP voting that year. However, his performance has declined in recent seasons. Despite playing a full 82-game season with the Spurs in 2025, Paul’s long history of injuries and insistence on starting could spell trouble for Phoenix.
The Suns dealt Paul to Washington in 2023 as part of the controversial Bradley Beal trade — a move they quickly came to regret. Paul was then moved to Golden State before spending the 2024–25 season with San Antonio. While still an elite passer, he can’t handle 30-minute nights anymore. The Suns have strong wings and bigs, but lack a reliable point guard. Unfortunately, Paul isn’t the answer if they need a nightly starter.
Paul “would help Khaman Maluach develop,” but that’s a big gamble on a player the team discarded two years ago to land Beal. With the way things have gone under owner Mat Ishbia, this has the makings of yet another move that could go south.
A CP3 Comeback in Phoenix Could Backfire
Chris Paul is reportedly interested in being closer to his family in Los Angeles, leaving the Suns and Clippers as the primary contenders for his services. Both teams played major roles in his career, but Phoenix offers more playing time and a greater need at point guard.
Paul was effective alongside Devin Booker in the past, but squeezing in 30-plus minutes for Booker, Beal, and Jalen Green — all while accommodating Paul — would present serious defensive problems. Offensively, Paul might elevate the team’s halfcourt attack, but relying on shootouts to win games isn’t sustainable, especially when Paul’s strength lies in breaking down defenses methodically.
At this stage, Paul is best suited to a 25-to-28-minute role — assuming he doesn’t regress further. If his play declines again, he’ll be little more than a backup guard. The Suns, meanwhile, don’t have a starting-caliber point guard and are looking to contend in 2026. Counting on a 40-year-old to lead the offense could derail their season. Given Ishbia’s track record, it wouldn’t be the first questionable decision.
The only scenario where signing Paul makes sense is if he’s willing to accept a veteran minimum deal and come off the bench. “There is zero risk there.” In that case, CP3 could mentor young players and contribute in a limited role. But it seems Phoenix is eyeing him for a starting spot — a role that comes with heavy minutes and, very likely, missed time due to injury. That’s not ideal for a team on the playoff bubble.
Chris Paul might be back in a Suns uniform soon, but that doesn’t guarantee success. Things could unravel fast. While it’s a good sign that the franchise has a direction, whether it pans out is another matter. Paul made an impact before — and all fans can do now is hope he c
an do it again.
Rumors suggest the Phoenix Suns may be eyeing a reunion with Chris Paul, but bringing back the 40-year-old veteran could end badly. Paul, a future Hall of Famer, played a major role in leading the Suns to the 2021 NBA Finals and even finished fifth in MVP voting that year. However, his performance has declined in recent seasons. Despite playing a full 82-game season with the Spurs in 2025, Paul’s long history of injuries and insistence on starting could spell trouble for Phoenix.
The Suns dealt Paul to Washington in 2023 as part of the controversial Bradley Beal trade — a move they quickly came to regret. Paul was then moved to Golden State before spending the 2024–25 season with San Antonio. While still an elite passer, he can’t handle 30-minute nights anymore. The Suns have strong wings and bigs, but lack a reliable point guard. Unfortunately, Paul isn’t the answer if they need a nightly starter.
Paul “would help Khaman Maluach develop,” but that’s a big gamble on a player the team discarded two years ago to land Beal. With the way things have gone under owner Mat Ishbia, this has the makings of yet another move that could go south.
A CP3 Comeback in Phoenix Could Backfire
Chris Paul is reportedly interested in being closer to his family in Los Angeles, leaving the Suns and Clippers as the primary contenders for his services. Both teams played major roles in his career, but Phoenix offers more playing time and a greater need at point guard.
Paul was effective alongside Devin Booker in the past, but squeezing in 30-plus minutes for Booker, Beal, and Jalen Green — all while accommodating Paul — would present serious defensive problems. Offensively, Paul might elevate the team’s halfcourt attack, but relying on shootouts to win games isn’t sustainable, especially when Paul’s strength lies in breaking down defenses methodically.
At this stage, Paul is best suited to a 25-to-28-minute role — assuming he doesn’t regress further. If his play declines again, he’ll be little more than a backup guard. The Suns, meanwhile, don’t have a starting-caliber point guard and are looking to contend in 2026. Counting on a 40-year-old to lead the offense could derail their season. Given Ishbia’s track record, it wouldn’t be the first questionable decision.
The only scenario where signing Paul makes sense is if he’s willing to accept a veteran minimum deal and come off the bench. “There is zero risk there.” In that case, CP3 could mentor young players and contribute in a limited role. But it seems Phoenix is eyeing him for a starting spot — a role that comes with heavy minutes and, very likely, missed time due to injury. That’s not ideal for a team on the playoff bubble.
Chris Paul might be back in a Suns uniform soon, but that doesn’t guarantee success. Things could unravel fast. While it’s a good sign that the franchise has a direction, whether it pans out is another matter. Paul made an impact before — and all fans can do now is hope he can do it again.
