Chris Paul came THIS close to winning that elusive championship. The Phoenix Suns point guard played a helluva postseason but ultimately fell short against Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks in six games.
All year long, Paul proved his doubters wrong in leading the Suns to the second-best overall record in the regular season. Come playoff time, the Point God survived the war of attrition en route to his first NBA Finals trip.
CP3's performance spiked his value, prompting multiple teams to potentially consider making a splash for the veteran playmaker. According to ESPN's Bobby Marks, the New York Knicks, Miami Heat, and Dallas Mavericks could float around as options for Paul.
“I think if Phoenix elects to play hardball with Paul, we’re looking at teams like New York, his former agent Leon Rose is the president. Paul can potentially earn up to $43 million to go to New York. You’re looking at teams like Dallas, you’re looking at potentially the Miami Heat, but I would still put Phoenix in the driver’s seat, even if Paul does enter free agency in early August here.”
Chris Paul has a $44 million player option for next season. Even if he declines it to seek a multi-year deal on less money, it would still take the Los Angeles Lakers some serious cap gymnastics to pull off a trade.
However, none of the aforementioned teams could match the young talents in Phoenix led by Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton. Paul's relationship with Monty Williams will also be critical in his decision.
The Suns have built something special with Chris Paul, making a return to the desert the most sensible endgame this offseason.