Chris Paul proved once again this season that he’s a winner. He makes every team better and, even at his age, he’s one of the best point guards in the league.
That’s why, even though $45 million is a lot for a player his age, multiple teams would be interested in paying him that much for a one-year push to win an NBA Championship.
Nonetheless, Eric Pinus of Bleacher Report recently said that Paul is considering declining his player option next season to sign a new contract:
“Paul has a $44.4 million player option, which according to several sources, he intends to decline with hopes of inking a new multiyear deal (perhaps in the $100 million range over three seasons). It’s unclear if his recent shoulder injury changes his plans. Gordon Hayward, who has battled more severe injuries than Paul, made a similar decision this past offseason, opting out of his final year with the Boston Celtics to sign a four-year, $120 million contract with the Charlotte Hornets,” read Pinus’ report.
Nonetheless, it seems like Charles Barkley doesn’t think that this would be the best decision for him:
“You know I like to drink right? I’ve never been drunk enough to say no to $45 million dollars,” Barkley told Duane Rankin when asked about his thoughts on Chris Paul reportedly declining his player option for next season.
I asked Charles Barkley about Chris Paul's player option for next season to stay in Phoenix.
"You know I like to drink right? I've never been drunk enough to say no to $45 million dollars."
Paul has a player option for $44.2M to stay in Phoenix next season. #Suns #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/3KgOesfeUv
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) June 9, 2021
Chris Paul isn’t getting any younger so teams could be wary of inking him to a long-term extension this summer, especially given his history with injuries.
Then again, he’s proven that he’s still got a lot left in the tank as a top-notch two-way point guard, and those don’t come in cheap.
