Chris Paul will likely remain with the Suns on a contract for at least three years and $90MM, according to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report. Fischer writes that the veteran point guard “appears all but destined to return to Phoenix.”
Paul holds a $44.2MM option on his contract for next season. He could opt out and become an unrestricted free agent, then re-sign with the club for multiple years. Alternatively, he could opt in and sign an extension.
The Pelicans were eager to acquire Paul, which would have given them a top-notch veteran floor leader to pair with franchise player Zion Williamson. Newly-hired head coach Willie Green has a close relationship with Paul and the perennial All-Star lobbied Houston’s front office to hire Green as an assistant when he played there. New Orleans tried to bring in Paul via a trade last off-season before he was acquired by the Suns from Oklahoma City.
An ESPN report this week also noted the connection between Green and Paul and the likelihood of CP3 staying put. Suns GM James Jones had expressed optimism that Paul would remain with the club.
There had been talk around the league this week about Paul potentially bolting from the Western Conference champions, Fischer adds. One of those avenues was closed when the Lakers opted to trade for Russell Westbrook.
Salary-cap issues, plus a rivalry between the two franchises, essentially made a potential Suns-Lakers trade a moot point.
I would have accepted the 44 million and bet on myself. Paul is turning it down for a new contract
So if he picks up the option what is he realistically going to get at the end of next season?
At max hes looking at 2 years 50 mil (or 25mil/yr)
At worst hes looking at ML-E on the Lake show.
So signing for 3 years 90 mil guaranteed today makes way more sense than risking it for an extra 4 or 5 mil next off-season.
..let alone he may be able to get a sweetheart deal 4th year attached if he plays his cards right with the Suns
There is no Sunshine in the Footprint Center, Home of the Suns unless Ben Simmons is traded there for Chris Paul
The only reason he’s even thinking about staying in PHX is because Russ took his roster spot in LAL
@joey I agree with you 100%. LBJ probably spoke to CP3 and knew he wasn’t going to leave that amount of money. Next year is a different story.
Not that I would think this would happen, but he could always force a sign and trade (would then have to drop the $44M option which would be ludicrous) with LA, ‘if’ the Suns were willing to take on Westbrook because they felt they needed to get something. It’s a possibility I’d say is 99.9999% unlikely, but…
Plus, he’s got a great relationship with Monty as well. He’s in a good place and would be surprised to see him do anything other than re-up with the Suns.
take a deep breath…
Now let it go…
CP3 isn’t going to the Lakers..
Not now.
Not ever.
Suns need to let Paul walk, invest in the future (Lonzo Ball). Save themselves some money while they are at it.
Paul then needs to forget about the money and take a deal that’ll get him a ring. Maybe return back to the clippers and line up with Kawhi and PG13. Maybe go join up with Luka, or go back to NO and join up with Zion.
I disagree.
I think he fits a niche role on their roster which gives the team more clout.
Even has he slows down, he’s a great ball handler and everyones played better since he arrived in the desert.