The Phoenix Suns are coming off one of their best seasons in franchise history. And while Monty Williams, James Jones, Devin Booker, Mikal Bridges, and Deandre Ayton deserve a lot of credit for such an impressive turnaround, you can’t deny that having Chris Paul around was the key to their success.
That’s why it’ll be key for them to convince Paul of running it back next season and staying in the desert. But, according to some reports, the ‘Point God’ could choose to opt-out of his deal and become a free agent:
“The $44.2 million Chris Paul option will likely determine if the Suns are in the luxury tax for the first time since 2009-10. Paul has until Aug. 1 to opt in to his contract. If Paul opts in, the Suns will be $10M below the threshold with four roster spots open. If Paul opts out and signs a contract for less money in 2021-22 ($30M for example) but with a longer term (a max of three seasons), the Suns could have the flexibility to use the full $9.5M midlevel exception and remain below the tax,” Bobby Marks said on ESPN.
Should Paul become available, the New York Knicks would be heavily interested in acquiring his services, especially given the fact that they have enough cap space to make it work:
“And if there’s a stalemate [with the Suns], keep an eye on the New York Knicks as a potential suitor for Chris Paul,” Marks added, according to Hoop Central
“And if there’s a stalemate [with the Suns], keep an eye on the New York Knicks as a potential suitor for Chris Paul.”
– via @BobbyMarks42 on if Chris Paul becomes a free agent. 👀 pic.twitter.com/jQ5Y9mVpgT
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) July 22, 2021
Paul has a strong relationship with Leon Rose and reportedly considered joining the Knicks until it was known that there wouldn’t be fans in attendance, so maybe he’s ready to take his talents to the Madison Square Garden now.
For now, what Paul will decide is anybody’s guess but we can be sure that there will be plenty of teams interested in signing one of the greatest point guards of all time.
