Addressing Chris Paul‘s contract situation during an appearance on Arizona Sports’ Burns & Gambo, Suns owner Robert Sarver said he wasn’t sure whether or not the veteran point guard would pick up his player option.
Asked if there was a scenario in which Paul opts out and doesn’t return, Sarver replied, “I don’t know. I’m sure there probably is. But I think our first priority would be to try to get him back, but that’ll depend on his agent and (Suns general manager) James (Jones) and him and me and all that kind of stuff, so I don’t know. We’ll see next week I guess, right?”
Despite Sarver’s hedging, I’d still be a little surprised if Paul and the Suns don’t either agree to an extension or a new contract in the coming days. The Suns owner added that he’s prepared to begin paying luxury tax penalties either next season or the following year, as team salary continues to rise.
Here’s more from around the West:
- The Timberwolves don’t have a pick in Thursday’s draft, but they’ve been making calls “all over the league,” according to Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic, who says Minnesota remains in the hunt for a power forward. A trade for Ben Simmons is unlikely, but the Wolves haven’t given up on the possibility in the event the Sixers drop their asking price, Krawczynski adds.
- There’s “growing optimism” that Will Barton and the Nuggets will be able to agree to a new deal in free agency, writes Mike Singer of The Denver Post. Barton turned down his $14.7MM player option for 2021/22, but remains interested in returning to Denver on a longer-term contract.
- John Hollinger of The Athletic has heard some chatter about the possibility of the Thunder trying to trade up to No. 3 in order to select Evan Mobley. However, he notes that the Cavaliers – and other teams that talk to Oklahoma City – will likely try to extract a king’s ransom, given the Thunder’s stockpile of draft picks. OKC may not be willing to pay that price.
why doesnt philly go after Dangelo Russell? Wolves could try a KAT/Simmons core
Because D Lo is not on Ben’s level and whatever he brings in terms of O, he is severely lacking on D. Really just trading one problem for another while making yourself worse at the same time. Throw in Edwards and some lightly protected firsts and swaps and I am still not excited…and only willing to talk if I don’t have any other conversations available. In a nutshell it’s not a good plan, and if Ben “must” be traded there are better returns to be had.
It’s my understanding that Suns owner basically says he won’t overpay Chris Paul
Then CP3 better take a big pay cut with his new contract to help the team’s payroll from getting out of control like the Warriors has.
Suns owner has made Paul market value worse
If Paul opts in, it’s possible that Suns offer Paul 2 year extension $15 million each
If Paul opts out, it’s possible that he is not able to sign 3 year $80 million contract
Not sure Sarver is hedging. How can he say there’s no scenario under which CP3 would opt out and leave. CP3 has the right to do both. Not up to Sarver.
IMO, there’s only one scenario in which he opts out. Talks break down and he decides to leave. Otherwise, he’ll extend the existing deal.
Cavs aren’t trading the third pick…. Stop it.
Probably not…I am not a big Mobley fan and Suggs seems redundant with your roster…so I would look for a quality trade (presuming one exists…I wouldn’t trade just to trade) and see what is out there. But I don’t think they will
Honestly after seeing the Sixers offered Ben to Toronto for FVV and they turned us down I’d take either Ant or DLo plus picks for Ben.
As noted earlier Dlo isn’t on Ben’s level but when fully fit and committed he’s a pretty darn good point guard. He was good for 20+ points about 6/7 assists and about 4 rebounds. He can shoot the three ball, and he thrives in the clutch.
Like I’ve said earlier I’d rather LaVine, he should be our main target but I’d rather Dlo over FVV
Ben for DLo is more than fair. Contrary to what another poster said, DLo is every bit as clutch as Ben…..and he will shoot the rock!