Chris Paul

Prediction: Re-signs with Phoenix Suns

The Phoenix Suns have managed to pull off a truly sensational run in the NBA Finals. As it currently stands, they are awaiting the results of the Eastern Conference Finals matchup between the Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks to determine who they will end up having as a matchup.

A significant element of the Suns’ success has been the presence of Chris Paul. He has orchestrated the half-court offense as a high-level and his leadership has been instrumental in maximizing the potential of his supporting cast with the greatest example being Deandre Ayton. Will Paul choose to stay after the 2020-21 season comes to a conclusion?

According to SNY’s Ian Begley, there are several agents for other point guards that ‘fear’ the New York Knicks as a potential landing spot for Chris Paul in free agency. The team is run by his former agent, Leon Rose, and will be an ‘option’ only if Paul does not return to the Suns.

“Several agents for point guards in the 2021 free agent class fear New York as a possible landing spot for Paul. Leon Rose was Paul’s agent before Rose became the Knicks president. But, again, New York would only be an option for Paul if he and Phoenix didn’t reach an agreement.”

What does make this scenario a bit difficult to envision is just the fact that Paul was given the authority to choose his destination when working a trade from the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Phoenix Suns is the team he wanted to play for. Why would that change after such a successful run? That’s why the Knicks are considered an option only if Paul were to leave the Suns, as Begley reported.

READ MORE: NBA Rumors: 3 trade packages to send Damian Lillard to Philadelphia 76ers

The Knicks should not be laughed at for pursuing Chris Paul. What if he ends up pulling off a championship run with the Suns and his priorities shift toward getting the biggest contract he can in free agency given this will almost certainly end up being his last major deal?

If that’s the case, the Knicks could make a genuine case, or at least push the Suns out of their comfort zone in having to overpay to bring Chris Paul back. It has already been reported in the past that Paul could end up using the Knicks as ‘leverage’ in order to maximize his earnings.

At the very least, New York makes a lot of sense as the No. 1 option for Paul, if he were to sign elsewhere.