NBA Trade Rumors: Miami Heat unlikely to trade for Oklahoma City Thunder's Chris Paul

What's the rumor?

With the Oklahoma City Thunder currently undergoing a potentially long-term rebuild, Chris Paul has been strongly linked with a move away from the organization. After surprisingly landing Jimmy Butler during the summer, the Miami Heat have been mentioned as Paul's most likely destination, although Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times is reporting that Miami's interest in CP3 has faded due to their excellent start to the 2019-20 season:

"The questions about where Paul will hoop are going to follow him through this season’s trade deadline. The Miami Heat seemed like the most logical landing spot, though their early-season start with young guards like Kendrick Nunn and Tyler Herro might give them pause."

In case you didn't know...

Following two seasons with the Houston Rockets, Paul was sent to the Thunder over the summer as part of the blockbuster trade for Russell Westbrook. While it is no secret that the 34-year-old wants to play on a contending team, Paul has performed well during his time in Oklahoma City, averaging 15.9 points, 5.7 assists and 4.1 rebounds over 15 appearances.

The heart of the matter

In addition to Paul wanting to play on a contending team, the Thunder are thought to be eager to offload the three-years remaining on his deal, although Paul's contract is a lot for rival teams to take on. With the Heat's interest fading, the Thunder face a difficult task to trade the aging point guard ahead of the trade deadline, although a team desperate to make the 2020 playoffs may make a late move for the former Clippers star.

What's next?

Following back-to-back defeats to the Los Angeles Lakers, the Thunder will be looking to pick up a win when they play the Golden State Warriors on Monday.

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