76ers tried to trade for Chris Paul before he landed with Suns
All-Star point guard Chris Paul is amid an impressive first campaign with the Phoenix Suns.
Chris Paul has quickly proven to be an excellent fit with the franchise. He’s helped guide them to the second-best record in the Western Conference. However, that situation wasn’t always believed to be the landing spot as the Philadelphia 76ers were believed to be strong suitors for his services, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic.
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Ironically, sources say Philadelphia — with Morey having taken over the Sixers’ front office just weeks before Paul was sent to the Suns, and his former Clippers coach, Doc Rivers, part of their program too — made a spirited push to land Paul. The Sixers even believed there was some traction on a possible deal. The interest from Paul, however, was not mutual.
That chatter shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise given that the 76ers were heavily linked to James Harden. General manager Daryl Morey remained hesitant to pull the trigger on a move as the price tag became quite hefty.
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The 76ers would have had to move plenty to acquire Paul from the Oklahoma City Thunder, but it would have been less of a steep trade package. Nonetheless, Paul wound up landing in a sport where he has thrived as not only an elite contributor but an invaluable leader.
He has helped transform the Suns into one of the top teams in the Western Conference. Meanwhile, the 76ers have held the best mark in the Eastern Conference throughout much of this season.
