A consensus is forming among some NBA executives that Phoenix Suns superstar point guard Chris Paul could attract a three-year deal in the $60 million range if he declines his player option for the 2021-22 season.
The Chris Paul player option — $44.2 million — will be interesting to watch. Execs I’ve talked to peg CP in the three-year, $60 million-ish range on a new deal. Does Paul go for the most guaranteed money? Or does he pick up the option and bet he has another All-Star season?
— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) June 10, 2021
Paul, 36, has gotten no less impressive with age. He was named an All-Star this season for the second consecutive year and currently has the Suns on top of the Denver Nuggets by a 2-0 series score in the second round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs.
Paul is an 11-time All-Star who is widely regarded as one of the best points guards in NBA history. He has led the league in assists four times and steals six times throughout his 16-year career.
For the 2020-21 regular season, Paul averaged 16.4 points, 4.5 rebounds and 8.9 assists per game. He shot the ball at a 49.9 percent rate from the field, a 39.5 percent rate from deep and a league-best 93.4 percent rate from the charity stripe.
Paul’s strong campaign has bolstered his value, but he may decide to exercise his player option and stay in Phoenix for at least one more season.
The Suns and Nuggets will meet for Game 3 of their series Friday night in Denver.
