NBA Rumors: Damian Lillard Trade Eyed by Suns amid Chris Paul Buzz, Rival GM Says

While it appears that Chris Paul's days as a member of the Phoenix Suns are numbered, the team reportedly has an aggressive move in mind to replace the veteran point guard.

According to Sean Deveney of Heavy.com, there's a belief that Phoenix could look to trade for Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard, and a slew of other offseason moves are under consideration.

"There is a lot that can happen there," an Eastern Conference executive said. "The Suns need depth all over that roster. They want to free up their payroll. They want to see if there is a way to bring in Dame [Lillard]. They want to see what they can do with a Deandre Ayton deal. There is a lot on the table."

On Wednesday, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Suns and Paul had conversations about his future with the team, including the possibility that he'll be waived by the June 28 guarantee date on his contract.

Wojnarowski stated that Phoenix "plans to explore trade opportunities including Paul and Deandre Ayton that could alter the franchise's roster landscape ahead of a final decision on Paul's partially guaranteed contract."

If Paul is on the Suns roster by the June 28 deadline, his $30.8 million salary becomes fully guaranteed. By waiving him before that date, Phoenix would owe him only $15.8 million. Wojnarowski noted that Paul's personal preference would be to remain with the Suns, but swapping him out to insert Lillard is an attractive move for a franchise starving for its first NBA championship.

Lillard, who is set to turn 33 in July, is five years younger than Paul and has much more offensive potency. He ranked third in the NBA with 32.2 points per game this season while adding 7.3 assists and 4.8 rebounds. Adding Lillard to a roster that includes stars Kevin Durant and Devin Booker would make Phoenix the instant favorite to win a title next season.

At this stage in his career, Paul can no longer be counted on as a top offensive option. He averaged a career-low 13.9 points this season, and he suffered a groin injury in the playoffs that doomed the Suns' chances, as they fell in the second round to the Denver Nuggets.

Lillard recently admitted to growing frustrated in Portland amid an impending rebuild, so it's not too far fetched of an idea for Phoenix to trade for him. It remains to be seen whether the Suns will be able to convince the Blazers to part ways with the face of their franchise.