Paul, who will be sidelined for at least 6 to 8 weeks due to a torn fracture of his right thumb, will focus on the buyout market. Since Dragic has been "cut off" by the Nets, the US media listed that the Suns can also pay attention to the remaining 3 point guards, of which Wall and Schroeder, who currently play for the Rockets, are listed, and Bledsoe can also pursue, of which Schroder and Bledsoe were once Paul's substitutes.
With nine weeks left in the regular season, Paul is in danger of missing a playoff start, and the Suns hope to avenge the 2021 draconian Finals defeat. The Suns have considered adding reinforcements ahead of the playoffs, and Paul's injury could change their forward strategy as they need to spend the final part of the season without Paul. Since Dragic is no longer available, the Suns have the following three candidates to choose from after Paul's injury.
1. Wall
Wall made a deal with the Houston Rockets in 2021-22 that left him unplayed so far while looking for a possible trade destination for the five-time All-Star, but the trade deadline has passed and Wall remains with the Rockets.
The 31-year-old veteran doesn't seem to have any plans to seek a buyout from the Rockets, especially to give up his hefty salary. It's just that if there's a chance to play important playing time for a championship-level team, maybe Wall will consider giving up his player option next season for a chance to win the championship this year.
Of all the buyout candidates, the former Kentucky star is probably the best player to "replace" Paul. While Wall is by no means a "point guard god" like Paul, he is a former all-Star in the league and remains one of the better passers and organizers in the point guard position.
Despite missing for more than a year and a half with injury, Wall's performance in the 2020-21 season shows that he still looks a lot like the player before the Achilles tendon tear, playing in 40 games for the Rockets last season, averaging 20.9 points and 6.9 assists per game.
2. Schroeder
Schroeder was traded to the Rockets, who could consider buying out the 28-year-old. Schroeder is far from being a first-passing guard like Paul, but it's undeniable that he has the ability to provide the Suns with fighting power to lighten Booker's offensive load.
Getting Schroeder not only helps the Suns hold their ground in Paul's absence, but the playoffs can also provide offensive firepower. Keep in mind that Schroeder played alongside Paul with the Thunder in the 2019-20 season, when he finished second in the sixth-man vote of the year. Schroeder already knows the pattern of playing with Paul and what it's like to succeed with him, and he can go back to being the efficient 19-pointer-per-game bench scorer at the Thunder.
Not only could the move help the Suns get a chance to compete for the title, but it would also allow Schroeder to sign a huge contract in the upcoming offseason. Schroder averaged 14.2 points, 3.4 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game this season.
3. Bledsoe
Bledsoe used to have a problem with the Suns, but things have turned over, and now that the Suns are at the top of the league standings, maybe the 32-year-old will play for the Suns again.
The Los Angeles Clippers traded Bledsoe to the Portland Trail Blazers ahead of the deadline, and the Blazers didn't seem ready for a full rebuild, while Lillard still insisted on staying. Still, with Anfine Simmons as the star of the future, Bledsoe's tenure in Portland could be short.
The Suns may desperately need help from the backcourt, bringing back a former Suns player and former Paul bench to help them through the storm until their veteran leader returns. As a career 33.6 percent three-point shooter, Bledsoe won't make room for the Suns, but he's still one
Capable organizer and killer on the offensive end. In 54 games for the Clippers this season, Bledsoe averaged 9.9 points, 3.4 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game.
(Drunken Lying Floating Life)