NBA Rumors: Chris Paul to enter free agency; hopes for a long-term deal?
NBA Rumors: Chris Paul to test free agency this offseason?
One of the bigger feel-good stories of the year revolved around the rise that took place with the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference. And I’m not sure you can begin to understand the Suns’ turnaround this season without accounting for the impact that Chris Paul has had on this team.
Yes, it’s easy to point to Devin Booker’s greatness or the strides that Deandre Ayton has made on both ends of the floor through the first couple of seasons in his career, Paul’s impact both on and off the court has absolutely benefited this team.
Should Chris Paul test free agency?
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And it’s clear that Paul realizes that, considering that he’s reportedly willing to decline a $40-plus million player option to test free agency this offseason.
"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)."
Of course, anything can change between now and when Paul officially needs to make that decision but it’s one that would make sense. Paul is still playing at a high level and is at the point of his career where this could be the last big payday that he receives. If so, why not try to get some long-term security while he’s still playing at this level?
The big question that Paul will likely have to answer is whether he would want to get paid $44.2 million next season or try and secure $30 million per year for the next two or three seasons? That’s likely a decision he’ll have to make.
Of course, that’s based on the assumption that a team would be willing to pay him that much money on the open market. But with the way that Paul continues to play at a high level, the case can be made that there will be multiple teams willing to pay Paul at a premium.
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Either way, it seems like Paul is aiming for one more big payday. Coming off a season in which he averaged a near career-high in shooting percentages, how could you blame him for trying to secure the bag one more time.