NBA Rumors: Suns Expected to Pursue Fred VanVleet If Raptors PG Hits Free Agency

The Phoenix Suns made the biggest splash ahead of last Thursday's NBA trade deadline, landing Kevin Durant. And they may be the frontrunners to make another big move come the summer.

According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, "Phoenix had already contacted rival teams about other ball-handlers on the February trade market, sources said, and were one team that was expected by league personnel to pursue Fred VanVleet if he truly reaches unrestricted free agency this summer."

Such a signing could indicate the end of the Chris Paul era in Phoenix, with Fischer writing that "some future, at some point in Phoenix with Devin Booker still at the controls, seems guaranteed to not feature Paul at his side, and that clock has now certainly started to dwindle."

That's not a huge surprise. Paul is 37, injuries have been an issue in recent seasons and his play this year has shown signs of decline (13.8 PPG, 8.7 APG, 42.8 percent from the field, 38.2 percent from three).

Still, Paul is one of the game's most cerebral and intelligent floor generals, and his playmaking remains elite. Certainly, VanVleet wouldn't match his distribution skills.

But he would give the Suns a much younger (28) alternative, and one who would be an excellent third scoring option (19.9 PPG this season). VanVleet hasn't had his best year, as his efficiency (39.6 percent from the field, 34.4 percent from three) has been a concern for the struggling Raptors.

But add in his scrappy on-ball defense, and it isn't hard to see why the Suns might have interest.

His addition also wouldn't have to spell the end for Paul in Phoenix. VanVleet spent many years in the same backcourt as Kyle Lowry, though the Suns would have to be willing to play very small to have those two in the lineup alongside Booker and Durant.

There's the matter of money, however. The Suns have massive contracts on the books for next season between Durant ($46.4 million), Booker ($36 million), Deandre Ayton ($32.4 million) and Paul ($30.8 million, partially guaranteed). So VanVleet can't be signed outright.

Could the Suns and Raptors work out a sign-and-trade that sends Ayton—who has been more than willing to leave Phoenix but blocked from doing so—to Toronto?

It's an interesting wrinkle. It seems less likely the Raptors would be interested in a sign-and-trade for the aging Paul, but Ayton would align better with the timeline of players like Pascal Siakam, Scottie Barnes and OG Anunoby.

It's an intriguing possibility. Until the Suns actually see how Durant, Booker, Paul and Ayton coexist on the court, however, any plans for the summer are a moot point.