Phoenix Suns fans will be thrilled to have Chris Paul back with their team next season. Last year, Paul’s trade was the best deal in the NBA, as it transformed the Suns from a lottery team to a championship contender. Not only did Paul play at a very high level for the Suns, but he also helped elevate the rest of the players around him. Players like Devin Booker, DeAndre Ayton, and Jae Crowder really benefitted from playing CP3. And next season, the Suns will be looking to run it back with their roster as they try to reach the NBA Finals once again. But they almost did lose out on Chris Paul during this free agency period.
According to NBA insider Brian Windhorst, the New Orleans Pelicans offered Chris Paul a 3 year, $100 million contract to return to the franchise. The Pelicans had parted ways with Lonzo Ball, and CP3 would have been a solid upgrade over him. Plus, the chance to return to the franchise that drafted him in 2005 would have been a tantalizing prospect for Paul. And it appears that Paul gave some serious consideration to the Pelicans’ offer before he re-signed with the Suns.
“I think Chris entertained it for some period of time.”
The New Orleans Pelicans reportedly offered Chris Paul a three-year, $100 million contract in free agency before he re-signed with Phoenix, per @WindhorstESPN
"I think Chris entertained it for some period of time."
(h/t @RealGM ) pic.twitter.com/z1stRE7Eag
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 4, 2021
Paul returning to the Pelicans would have made them a dark horse contender in the Western Conference. With Paul working as the primary ball-handler, he could put players like Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram in a great position and really accentuate their strengths. CP3 is a traditional point guard, and one of the best in the league. Combining his talent and veteran experience with the young raw talent of Zion and Ingram would have brought out the best in them. But unfortunately for the Pelicans, Paul chose to go back to the Suns and try to run it back.
