At 35 years old Chris Paul has made his first NBA Finals appearance in his career. He's making the most of it, as he has played well so far for the Phoenix Suns. Without his veteran leadership, the Suns likely wouldn't have made it this far in the playoffs this year.
Even so, the Milwaukee Bucks are performing at a high level as well. After tying the series up 2-2 on Wednesday night, Chris Paul and the Suns play a pivotal Game 5 on Saturday. This is an important game, as history says that the team who wins Game 5 tends to win the series.
This is an incredible moment for Chris Paul as we don't know if he'll ever be in this position again. He's not getting any younger, and he's in an interesting contract situation with the Suns. We'll see how it all plays out, but if the Suns lose the NBA Finals, the front office will have an intriguing offseason ahead of them.
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It's no doubt that Devin Booker is the face of this organization, while Deandre Ayton serves as a strong second option for Phoenix. Paul has played an important role in the Suns' success, but the franchise may look a different way in the offseason. With that said, here are two reasons why the 2021 NBA Finals is Chris Paul's last chance to win a championship.
Age is a factor
Chris Paul will be 36 years old next season. His numbers have slightly dipped this year, but not enough for people to think he's lost his touch. In fact, there is reason to believe Paul plays at a similar level next year as well. However, with Paul's age comes limitations. He's not uber-athletic and is much better playing a half-court game as it fits his playstyle.
NBA offenses tend to score as fast as possible these days. Everything is about the fast break and playing full-court basketball. This year the Suns have countered that with stellar half-court play and look like the San Antonio Spurs in their prime with Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, and Tony Parker.
Even so, the front office has to look into the future. Chris Paul is still good, but he's not the same point guard he used to be. If the Suns end up losing this series, the team may look in a different direction at the point guard position. Finding someone with youth and athleticism could be what the Suns need to improve next year.
Paul's daunting contract
Chris Paul is currently getting paid over $41 million this year. He has a player option this offseason that he will more than likely accept, as Paul will actually receive a pay raise. If that happens, Paul will be due just over $44 million next season.
That is a ton of dough for a guy who will be 36 years old and out of his prime. The front office could trade Paul to a team desperate for a point guard in exchange for a couple of key rotational players at half of the cost. The franchise will likely believe that Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton can lead the roster as a strong duo and won't need Paul's veteran presence anymore.
It's not a guarantee Paul is traded this offseason, but it has to be an option the Suns' front office is taking into consideration. It'll be difficult to find a trade partner who is willing to eat a contract worth over $44 million. The good news is, it'll be just for the 2022 season, as Paul officially becomes an unrestricted free agent in the 2022 offseason. For that reason, this year is Chris Paul's best chance of winning a ring, as time is not on his side.
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