Frank Vogel addresses reports on the Suns waiving Chris Paul / News - Basketnews.com

Suns coach Frank Vogel spoke about Chris Paul's rumored departure from Phoenix and what the future for the veteran guard might hold.

Credit: Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images Credit Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images

NewPhoenix Suns coach Frank Vogel has dismissed rumors that the franchise has waived Chris Paul.

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News broke this week that the team was exploring several options, including a trade, waiving, and stretching his contract.

Paul has played the last three seasons with the Suns. He helped them reach the 2021 NBA Finals but lost to the Milwaukee Bucks. The 38-year-old missed the final four games of the Suns with a groin injury. His team was eliminated in the second round by the Denver Nuggets, while he averaged a career-low 13.9 points per game in the 2022-23 season.

Vogel spoke to Chris Mannix of The Volume and disputed reports stating that the Suns had decided to waive Paul. Calling Paul one of "the great winners our game has ever seen," Vogel said he still hoped to work something out with Paul to keep him in Phoenix.

"Obviously there was a misunderstanding yesterday. We did not waive Chris, as was reported," Vogel said.

"But there are ongoing conversations about all of the options to improve the roster. I’ve personally communicated with Chris and feel strongly about the opportunity to work with him. He’s someone I've just had immense respect for over the years.

I'm really hopeful to have an opportunity to work with him this next year and I think he can really help us get over the top."

If the Suns waive Paul, the veteran point guard will most likely become a highly sought-after free agent for teams looking to contend for a title. However, the Suns will need to make that decision before his $30.8 million contract for the 2023-24 campaign becomes guaranteed on June 28. If they waive him before that deadline, they will still pay him $15.8 million, per USA Today.

Furthermore, they could still waive him and sign him for less than $30.8.

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