SB Nation Reacts: Rockets trade rumors, Chris Paul dealt to Suns

Earlier this week, we sent out an SB Nation Reacts poll network-wide following the Chris Paul trade to gauge feelings across NBA fandom.

If you recall, CP3 was traded along with Abdel Nader to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Kelly Oubre, Ricky Rubio, Ty Jerome, Jalen Lecque and a 2022 first-round pick. Quite a different situation than when the Rockets traded Paul, huh?

Anyway, we asked all of our voters across the NBA about who won the Chris Paul trade, and here’s what they thought.

The majority of our voters thought it was a fair deal, but I thought the Thunder made a killing on a guy that had to be traded along with two first-round picks and two pick swaps just a year earlier. Paul still has some juice, but not enough to get the Suns anywhere of consequence in the West. Phoenix was better off using those assets to continue to rebuild.

Our second question was Houston Rockets related, and we asked our readers who they felt was most likely to be dealt first between James Harden and Russell Westbrook. Again, the poll was network-wide, not just our Rockets voters.

I also picked Westbrook, though as the days go by, I’m not so sure. There doesn’t appear to be much of a market for Russ. The Rockets might be better off waiting until the season with him. And many of the recent rumors have been centered around Harden.

Our final question asked about the viability of the Suns as a playoff contender in the West. Again, it was a national question. Most of us felt the same.

Barring a miracle, there’s no chance Phoenix contends next season. Makes the playoffs? Sure, I can buy that possibility as a 6-8 seed potentially. But as an actual contender for the title? No way. I think they’ll be fun, I think they’ll be exciting, and that’s something for Suns fans. All this is also conditional on CP3’s health holding up, which is no sure thing.

If you want to join in on the fun, head on over here to sign up for SB Nation Reacts. During the season, you’ll get a poll every week!