Sources – Phoenix Suns and Oklahoma City Thunder discuss Chris Paul’s trade

The Phoenix Suns have had discussions about acquiring All-Star playmaker Chris Paul from the Oklahoma City Thunder, sources have told ESPN.

Discussions are ongoing and continue to gain ground, but no deal is imminent, sources said. There is currently a moratorium on trade as the NBA goes through procedures to start next season ahead of the league draft next week.

The Thunder have given star players like Paul George and Russell Westbrook contributions on trade destinations in the past and have shown an openness to working with Paul on a trade now, sources said.

The Suns have a promising young team led by Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton. The team ended last season on a high, going 8-0 in the NBA bubble in Orlando, narrowly missing the play-in tournament.

In addition to their young squad, contributing to the Suns’ momentum is nearing completion of the first phase of a $ 230 million renovation of Talking Stick Resort Arena. They are also expected to open a new, state-of-the-art, $ 45 million practice center this month.

The Suns could have more than $ 20 million in salary cap space ahead of trading season, which would allow them to create a trade and still seek out other free agents.

Paul played a season under Suns coach Monty Williams in New Orleans from 2010-11 and has praised it in the past. Paul also praised the Suns’ style of play. “His basketball spirit… I used to get so excited before games about the games he was prepping,” Paul told reporters before facing the Williams’ Suns last December.

Paul still has two years and $ 85.5 million on his contract, which is a motivating factor for rebuilding Thunder to consider trading him. The Thunder, however, told the teams they remained interested in keeping Paul for next season as well.

He just finished a season in which he averaged 17.6 points and 6.7 assists as he led the Thunder to the playoffs. After the season, he was named to the All-NBA second team.

ESPN reporter Adrian Wojnarowski contributed to this story.