The Suns had grand designs on winning their first NBA title just a few months ago, when Phoenix pushed its chips into the table and acquired forward Kevin Durant from the Nets on Feb. 9.
However, the Nuggets’ six-game triumph over the Suns in the Western Conference semifinals blew up those plans. Phoenix responded by firing coach Monty Williams and replacing him with former Lakers coach Frank Vogel, and now the team reportedly plans to waive guard Chris Paul after three seasons.
Even accounting for the Suns’ abrupt playoff exit, NBA observers greeted the news of Paul’s departure with surprise Wednesday afternoon.