For most players, a $44 million player option would be a formality. But for Chris Paul, it presents an opportunity to get even more money.
Chris Paul has legitimately been a franchise-altering player for the Phoenix Suns. That's not an exaggeration, either.
The Suns had the feel of a team on the rise after they went undefeated in the Orlando “bubble” last summer, though they still came up just short of making the play-in game. Phoenix made the decision to go hard after Paul in the offseason, and the deal paid enormous dividends.
Paul averaged 16.4 points, 8.9 assists and 4.5 rebounds during the regular season. He was very nearly a member of the 50-40-90 club and galvanized the Suns' team defense. The “Point God” ultimately finished fifth in the voting for league MVP.
However, Paul's impact went far beyond individual brilliance. The Suns won 17 more games than they did during the 2019-20 season. They jumped from 17th in defensive rating last season to ninth this season.
Needless to say, Chris Paul was a paramount figure in helping to build the Suns as a winning franchise. He's 36 years old, but still playing at an All-NBA level. He should look to cash out while he still can.
Bleacher Report's Eric Pincus reported sources indicate Paul is planning on declining his option so as to fetch a multiyear contract, with the belief he could get three years and $100 million. Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated also reported Paul could get a three-year deal, though he noted the 11-time All-Star might have to settle for closer to $60 million.
The Chris Paul player option — $44.2 million — will be interesting to watch. Execs I’ve talked to peg CP in the three-year, $60 million-ish range on a new deal. Does Paul go for the most guaranteed money? Or does he pick up the option and bet he has another All-Star season?
— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) June 10, 2021
However, ESPN's Bobby Marks had an interesting thought. He opined Paul should opt in with the notion he could be extended.
Opt-in and extend for another 2 seasons. That would be the best direction for him. He holds a ton of leverage over that organization.
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) June 10, 2021
This kind of move could make sense, for both Chris Paul and the Suns.
Opting in would give Paul the chance to potentially make the most money upfront, the Suns could then scale down a bit by extending the deal for two more years and around $55 million, which would scale down Paul's annual average value as he ages but still get him to the $100 million Pincus first reported could be a possibility.
There really isn't a reason to believe Phoenix wouldn't have at least some interest in this. Both sides seem to have mutual interest in continuing the partnership, and Paul has been a perfect fit for the Suns both on the floor and in his mentorship of guys like Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton.
Look how Phoenix's other players have also responded to having Paul on the roster. Jae Crowder shook off a rough start to the Lakers series and has been the ideal 3-and-D guy for the Suns. Mikal Bridges is playing his way into a big deal after next season.
Chris Paul has elevated everyone around him, just as he did in Oklahoma City. Never was that more clear than in Phoenix's blowout win over the Denver Nuggets in Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals, when Paul had 15 assists and six different Suns players scored in double figures.
That's the kind of player the Suns should want on the roster as the franchise looks to build sustained success. General manager James Jones should do whatever is necessary to keep CP3 in the desert.
Paul choosing to opt in and the Suns then extending his current deal for two years and $55 million feels like a good play. Will it happen? Well, that could depend on how the next couple weeks shake out.
If Paul leads the Suns to a title, however, it's almost impossible to imagine the Suns letting him get away.
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