Around the Realm: Chris Paul traded to the Suns, players and team begin exercising contract options

Welcome to Around the Realm, where we look at the top news stories from around the league. If I missed any notable stories, feel free to discuss in the comments!

Chris Paul is a Phoenix Sun

After last week’s rumors, the Suns and Thunder completed a Chris Paul trade on Monday. Woj and Shams have all the details.

The Phoenix Suns are finalizing a deal to acquire Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star guard Chris Paul, sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 16, 2020

Sources: Suns‘ future first to the Thunder is protected 1-12 in 2022, 1-10 in 2023, 1-8 in 2024 and unprotected in 2025. https://t.co/e4AFUN3OfD

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 16, 2020

I really like this move for Phoenix, giving Devin Booker serious backcourt help. It’s also a nice return for Oklahoma City, getting even more picks and pick swaps in addition to players. Kelly Oubre is an expiring contract, and both he and Rubio could potentially be traded again.

Jerami Grant enters free agency

A breakout player in the playoffs, Jerami Grant is entering free agency after declining his option. Denver will try to re-sign him, but they’ll have plenty of competition.

Yahoo Sources: Denver Nuggets forward Jerami Grant is declining his $9.3 million player option for the 2020-21 season to become an unrestricted free agent.

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) November 16, 2020

Chicago Bulls make Kris Dunn an unrestricted free agent

In a bit of surprise move, the Bulls did not give Kris Dunn the qualifying offer. He will be an unrestricted free agent.

The Bulls plan to not issue a qualifying offer to Kris Dunn, per sources. The Clippers are among several teams expected to show interest in the soon-to-be-free-agent guard.

Can also confirm Bulls will extend qualifying offer to Denzel Valentine, which @DarnellMayberry had 1st.

— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) November 16, 2020

This has led some to speculate that the Bulls might be targeting a point guard in the draft.

DeMar DeRozan is taking the money

In an unsurprising move, DeMar DeRozan decided that yes, he would like $27.7 million dollars to remain with the Spurs.

Four-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan is opting into his $27.7M contract with the Spurs for the 2020-21 season, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 16, 2020

With the cap staying level money and few teams with cap space, DeRozan may have struggled to get a similar pay day in this free agency.

James Harden wants to go to Brooklyn or Philly

In a minor update on yesterday’s Harden news, he would also be ok with joining the 76ers, according to Shams Charania.

Rockets star James Harden wants to be on a contender elsewhere, and Brooklyn and Philadelphia are believed to be his top desired trade destinations, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.

Houston is fully comfortable keeping Harden and Russell Westbrook into the season.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 16, 2020

Bruce Brown traded to Nets

Brown isn’t a household name but is a defensive-minded wing who provides some nice depth for the Nets.

The Nets are sending the 2021 second-round pick via Toronto, per sources. Musa was the 29th overall pick in the 2018 Draft, a versatile 6-9 forward. Nets like Brown's defensive ability, honed in University of Miami program. https://t.co/TzVM04uMC7

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 16, 2020

Robin Lopez opts out

In one final surprise, Robin Lopez opted out of his remaining year of $5 million. He’ll be an unrestricted free agent.

Milwaukee Bucks center Robin Lopez is declining his $5M player option and becoming a free agent, source tells ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 16, 2020

It will be interesting to see if Lopez can find a deal for more than $5 million per year, or if he was simply seeking longer term security.