Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul’s uncertain status for next season has some league insiders expecting the superstar to seek a three-year deal worth $100 million.
Marc Berman of the New York Post looked at how Paul could opt out of the final year of a contract that’s set to pay him over $44 million for the 2021-22 season.
The New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers were mentioned as potential destinations.
“League sources believe Paul would seek a three-year, $100 million package,” Berman wrote. “With sufficient cap space, the Knicks would be keenly interested, as team president Leon Rose is his former agent. The Lakers are reportedly interested in a sign-and-trade to pair Paul with one of his best friends, LeBron James.”
Of course, Paul could also opt out of that final year and then re-sign with the Suns, a team he led to the 2021 NBA Finals. However, it’s clear that there are other options as well.
Between the Knicks and the Lakers, the Knicks would seem to be a more logical destination. That’s because Paul would likely have to take a severe pay cut to fit within the Lakers’ salary cap, while the Knicks’ situation is more flexible.
Paul’s quest to be part of an NBA champion came agonizingly close this past season and his advancing age limits the amount of time left to accomplish that feat.
