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Phoenix Suns star point guard Chris Paul didn't seem like a guy intent on leaving after losing the NBA Finals to the Milwaukee Bucks. However, that hasn't stopped the rumor mill from starting up, with some reporting out there suggesting that he could be looking to join his pal LeBron James on the Los Angeles Lakers.
Paul took to Twitter to thank Suns fans on Tuesday, and his message certainly made it seem like he's going to be back:
Thank you to Phoenix and all the fans on a great season!! Back to work 🙏🏾✊🏾 #CantGiveUpNow pic.twitter.com/uLVVy2GavW
— Chris Paul (@CP3) July 27, 2021
If Chris Paul is indeed going to return to Phoenix, the question is on what kind of deal. Paul has a $44.2 million player option for 2021-22, but he could look to decline that and sign a long-term deal to stay with the franchise. While he's 36 years old, he clearly still has plenty left in the tank.
The Suns' acquisition of Paul helped catapult them to championship contention after their perfect run in the bubble. CP3 had an awesome season playing next to Devin Booker in the backcourt, averaging 16.4 points, 8.9 assists and 4.5 rebounds while shooting 49.9% from the field and 39.5% from 3-point range.
Paul fought through adversity against the Lakers and beyond in the playoffs, delivering some iconic performances to get the Suns to the NBA Finals against Milwaukee. While the Suns star struggled at times going up against Jrue Holiday in the championship series, he still averaged 21.8 points and 8.2 assists while shooting 55.0% from the field and 52.2% from 3-point land.
If Chris Paul comes back to the Suns for at least another season, they should be in contention again in the Western Conference. Most of the main pieces should be back in the fold, and there should only be more growth from youngsters like Booker, Deandre Ayton and Mikal Bridges.
The Lakers will be in contention again as well even if they don't get Paul, and acquiring The Point God looks like a major long shot.
