After losing in the NBA final, Phoenix Suns security guard Chris Paul will have to make a $ 44.2 million decision in the coming days. The future Hall of Famer can terminate their contract and meet the free NBA agency. At this point that seems to be a matter of course.
While it makes sense that Paul would return to Phoenix, there are a number of other competing teams interested in the services of the 11-time All-Star. For a good reason. Although Paul was in the advanced age of 36, he was brilliant for the Suns a season ago. He averaged 16.4 points, 4.5 rebounds and 8.9 assists with 50% shot from the field. Below, we take a look at five ideal destinations for CP3 this summer.
Chris Paul signs again with the Phoenix Suns
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From a judicial and financial point of view, this makes the most sense for Paul. He led the Suns to their first NBA title but two wins, and built a great relationship with Devin Booker.
It’s also important to note that 36-year-old Paul is looking to make big bucks for this last time he enters the twilight of his career. He can make about $ 45 million more in cold cash by signing with the Suns for four more years instead of joining another organization. Given that the only accomplishment missing from Paul’s résumé is a title, a return to the suns makes too much sense.
Chris Paul teams up with LeBron James
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Immediately after Paul and his suns retired from the NBA Finals, rumors surfaced from Southern California of the Lakers’ interest in the future Hall of Famer. Legendary former star Magic Johnson added another element to that on social media.
To be clear, the Lakers hunt big game while trying to improve Dennis Schroder’s point guard. This includes both Paul and Russell Westbrook. While the match on the court with LeBron James and Co. makes a lot of sense, Los Angeles is very unlikely to acquire Chris Paul. It would take a sign-and-trade with the suns. Would Phoenix even consider taking on Schroder, Kyle Kuzma, and Capfillern? I do not think so. Even then, it’s a fun scenario to look at.
Boston Celtics find a way to add Chris Paul
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As with Los Angeles, it would take sign-and-trade for the Celtics to acquire Paul. Unlike the Lakers, Boston might actually have the means to lure Phoenix should it become clear that the Star Guard is heading back east. That could include Boston replacing Marcus Smart, Tristan Thompson, and a youngster from Aaron Nesmith, as well as Picks.
In terms of a fit with the Celtics, that almost makes too much sense. The new team president Brad Stevens has his other point guard Kemba Walker in his first trade since switching from the bank earlier this summer. There is a need for someone to run the point in Boston. Paul, who teamed up with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, would also create a championship-caliber roster in Beantown.
Chris Paul to the New Orleans Pelicans
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If you think this is far-fetched then your memory is short. Nobody really expected Paul to enjoy being shipped to Phoenix in the final off-season. He responded professionally and led the organization to one of the best seasons in its history.
The idea here would be for Paul to team up with striker Zion Williamson and help replicate that success in bayou. Remember Pelicans Front Office Head is David Griffin looking for a win-now move To appease Williamson. Imagine if that were a player in Chris Paul who played for the Hornets in New Orleans for the first six years of his career. Talk about going full circle.
New York Knicks add Chris Paul
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Of all the possible goals for Paul, it was the most talked about. There is an obvious financial component to this, as New York is said to have roughly $ 55 million in cap space and can sign Paul directly.
After a surprising playoff appearance, the Knicks are now considered a first-class landing place for well-known players. Adding Paul to the mix could potentially make them a top-end title contender in the East too. If the future Hall of Famer took a small discount, front office boss Leon Rose could potentially make a trade for another star player like him Damian Lillard and Ben Simmons is spun around.
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