NBA Rumors: Fred VanVleet, Terry Rozier Linked to Suns amid Chris Paul Trade Buzz

Heading into a crucial offseason with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker to lead the franchise, the Phoenix Suns could seek help from a younger point guard who doesn't have the same injury concerns that veteran Chris Paul does.

Per Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, Fred VanVleet and Terry Rozier have been linked to the Suns by league personnel.

Fischer noted rival teams were under the impression Phoenix was pursuing a long-term replacement for Paul ahead of the trade deadline before pivoting to make the deal with the Brooklyn Nets for Durant.

On Friday's episode of The Hoop Collective podcast (starts at 31:30 mark), ESPN's Tim MacMahon said he expects the Suns will "aggressively shop" Paul in trades this summer.

Paul missed the last four games of the Western Conference semifinals against the Denver Nuggets with a strained groin.

Even though the Suns lost the final two games of the series, their victories in Games 3 and 4 showed what the offense could do when led by Booker and Durant. They played at a faster tempo without Paul.

As good as Paul can still be, the playoffs showcased why his fit with this version of Phoenix's roster may not be ideal. His durability could be an issue considering he turned 38 on May 6.

Injuries limited Paul to 59 games during the regular season. He shot his worst field-goal percentage (44.0) since 2018-19 with the Houston Rockets.

The Suns have limited ways to improve this summer because of what they gave up to acquire Durant.

Paul is likely Phoenix's best trade asset. He's signed through the 2024-25 season, but his salary is only partially guaranteed for $15.8 million next season. It becomes fully guaranteed for $30.8 million June 28.

Paul's entire $30 million salary for the final year of the deal is not guaranteed until June 28, 2024.

VanVleet is poised to become a free agent, though the Suns could try to work out a sign-and-trade with the Toronto Raptors. That could be difficult given how much demand there will likely be for him and how few assets the Suns have to work with.

Rozier might be easier to acquire because he's under contract with two more guaranteed years left at affordable salaries ($23.2 million in 2023-24; $24.9 million in 2024-25).

The Charlotte Hornets are a mess and could be sold by Michael Jordan, so shedding one of the few big contracts on the roster might be a sound strategy for the front office.

Phoenix could also be better by virtue of having Durant for a full offseason of working out with the team. He only played in eight regular-season games after the trade because of injuries.