After 18 seasons and 12 all-star appearances, future Hall of Famer Chris Paul is in talks about his playing future. The Phoenix Suns have had discussions with their star guard. If Paul is on the roster on Jun 28th then his salary is guaranteed. However, should Paul get waived before then only half of his 30 million salary would be guaranteed. CP3 has expressed interest in staying in Phoenix, at the same time, he wants a decision sooner rather than later. It’s time to play devil’s advocate about the playing future of “The Point God”.
Where to Next for Chris Paul?
Phoenix is Still the Top Option
Even if the rest of the roster is yet to be determined, you know that Devin Booker and Kevin Durant aren’t going anywhere. The most logical option here would be for Paul to play fewer minutes for the remainder of his career. Paul’s scoring average has steadily decreased over the last three years with this season (13.9 ppg) being the lowest of his career. The Suns lost in the second in six games to the Denver Nuggets last month. Paul missed the final four games due to injury. The durability concerns are the reasons Paul should consider a reduced role. His most minutes should come in the first and fourth quarters.
Southern Cal Connection
Paul was in L.A. for six seasons (2011-2017) with the Clippers. That team never made it past the semi-finals. Before joining the Clippers, former commissioner David Stern vetoed a trade that would’ve sent Paul to the Lakers. That team would’ve certainly competed for a title, this was a prime Chris Paul teaming with the legend Kobe Bryant, who knows what could’ve happened? The thing that’s intriguing about the Lakers now is their core. The only person the Lakers would have to do away with is D’Angelo Russell.
A reunion with the Clippers shouldn’t be far-fetched either, the health of the two current superstars is a concern. Khawi Leonard tore his meniscus during their first-round loss to the Suns. Paul George didn’t suit up during that series. In games where both Leonard and George have played together, the Clippers have won two-thirds of their games. The durability issues of George, Leonard, and Paul could become an issue.
Welcome to the Eastern Conference
Paul has never played in the eastern conference, his time could be now. The Boston Celtics seem like their championship window could just be opening. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are superstars just starting to enter their prime. Chris Paul is the type of leader to bring this team to where they want to go. Boston has gotten close over the past few years but they just can’t get over the hump. Paul would work coming off this bench and the Celtics need to elevate Malcolm Brogdon.
There are options for Paul to make this offseason should Phoenix move on from him. A player that is as decorated as CP3 should have an opportunity to win a title. He came two wins shy of this feat in 2021. Depending on what takes place over the next couple of weeks, he could add a ring to his resume real soon.
