The Phoenix Suns are one game away from defeating the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs. While their undivided attention is being given to that, this offseason will be a critically important one for the franchise.
Phoenix has built a very strong roster around cornerstone, Devin Booker. However, things are about to get very expensive in the desert, as Deandre Ayton and Mikal Bridges are both quickly approaching contract extensions.
Both players will receive hefty raises in those extensions, and rightfully so. Going into the luxury tax isn’t something that teams want to do, but when you have a team as strong as the Suns, it is something they should be willing to do to keep this group intact.
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While those extensions may not kick in for another year, they may need to pony up for Chris Paul this summer, as he is rumored to be declining his option this summer in hopes of landing a lucrative long-term deal.
“Paul has a $44.4 million player option, which according to several sources, he intends to decline with hopes of inking a new multiyear deal (perhaps in the $100 million range over three seasons). It’s unclear if his recent shoulder injury changes his plans. Gordon Hayward, who has battled more severe injuries than Paul, made a similar decision this past offseason, opting out of his final year with the Boston Celtics to sign a four-year, $120 million contract with the Charlotte Hornets.”
If Paul opts out, it would be shocking if he didn’t land the contract he is rumored to be looking for. That is because demand creates price increases, and Paul will be in demand this offseason.
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If he does indeed hit free agency, you can be sure that the New York Knicks will be placing a call to him as well. New York has Leon Rose as president, someone Paul has a good relationship with from his time as an agent with CAA. The Knicks happen to have a glaring need at point guard, one Paul would help fill.
Despite being 36-years old, Chris Paul has proven he can still help teams on the court. The Suns have turned into contenders in the Western Conference with him and should do everything in their power to make sure he remains in The Valley for the foreseeable future.
