Veteran guard Chris Paul wasn't a free agent for long after he signed a $120 million contract to stay with the Phoenix Suns. However, it appears he has the New Orleans Pelicans to thank for that.

According to Brian Windhorst on his “Hoop Collective” podcast, the Pelicans offered Paul a three-year, $100 million deal. Apparently, CP3 used it as a leverage to get an extra year with the Suns with partially guaranteed money.

For what it's worth, Paul reportedly considered the Pelicans' offer before deciding to return to the Suns.

“And Chris Paul, who [the Pelicans] offered $100 million from what I understand,” Windhorst said, per CBS Sports. “It helped convince Phoenix to give him at least [a] partially guaranteed fourth year. … I think Chris entertained it for some period of time.”

Considering the offers, it looked like Chris Paul would have made more money with the Pelicans, especially since not his whole contract with the Suns are guaranteed. However, it is also unknown what terms the Pelicans gave him.

Nonetheless, it's not really surprising to see Paul return to the Suns. A lot of experts actually predicted him to run it back with Phoenix since it's the lone team that has helped him reach the NBA Finals.

As for the Pelicans, after missing out on both Kyle Lowry and Paul and losing Lonzo Ball, they now need to look elsewhere to find the point guard that will take them to the next level.