NBA Trade Rumors: Suns could explore Chris Paul for James Harden swap?

NBA Trade Rumors: The Phoenix Suns could explore a potential Chris Paul for James Harden swap with the Philadelphia 76ers.

From everything that’s been reported over the last few days between the Phoenix Suns and Chris Paul, it’s looking more and more like there could be an impending divorce on the horizon. It’s become clear that nothing is finalized between the two, but I’d be extremely surprised if Paul started the 2023-24 season on the Suns.

And that could open the door to many possibilities. The Suns could waive Paul and let him walk in free agency, or even waive and re-sign him. They could even trade him if the right deal came to fruition.

Interstingly, one possibility that has been reported as something that has been in the air recently revolves around a potential James Harden for Chris Paul swap between the Suns and the Philadelphia 76ers.

Harden has a big decision to make regarding his player option and whether or not he wants to remain in Philadelphia but could be an option for the Suns if that’s something he wanted as well.

While a Paul for Harden swap may work theoretically, would it be something that would make sense for both the Suns and Sixers?

Would a Chris Paul for James Harden swap make sense for the Philadelphia 76ers?

It’s safe to assume that if Harden ends up wanting to leave the Sixers, Philadelphia would want something in return if that’s possible. That’s not a hot take or anything that should be particularly surprising. However, the big question is whether or not Paul would be something that the Sixers would want in a hypothetical sign-and-trade.

And the biggest reason why is due to Paul’s contract. I’m sure the Sixers would be open to one year of Paul’s deal, but if they were to acquire him via trade that means they would be on the hook for that second year too. And I’m not sure that’s something the Sixers would be interested in.

Unless, of course, the deal became much bigger than just a Paul for Harden swap. But perhaps that’s something that would only be discussed as a last-ditch opportunity.

There’s still plenty that needs to transpire this offseason and you can bet that both James Harden and Chris Paul will be two of the headlining names this summer.