2023-06-08 07:50:00
Three hours before Game 3 of the Finals between Miami and Denver, a bomb fell on the NBA planet, Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report announcing the Suns’ decision to cut Chris Paul. Some of the major Big League insiders like Woj and Shams haven’t confirmed the breaking but a question inevitably arises: what future for the Point God in the NBA?
Unlike Chris Haynes, Adrian Wojnarowski ofESPN and Shams Charania of The Athletic have not been so definitive regarding the future of CP3. Admittedly, the two kings of breaking mention the scenario of a separation between Chris Paul and the Suns, but according to them the two camps would only be at the stage of initial discussions, with reflections around the various options available. Among them :
- A transfer involving Chris Paul;
- Chris Paul cut, with the Suns spreading his salary over several seasons;
- Chris Paul cut, then re-signed as a free agent by Phoenix on a weaker contract.
The important date to remember in this file: next June 28. Why June 28? Because it is on this date that Chris Paul’s salary for the coming season becomes fully guaranteed. Today, only 15 of the 30 million are, and there is probably no scenario where Paul is going to be paid 30 million greenbacks by the Cactus next year. If we are to believe the Woj, CP3 wants to stay in Phoenix in any case to continue playing alongside Devin Booker and Kevin Durant.
Sources: The Suns and Chris Paul are exploring multiple options, including a trade, stretching his contract, or waiving and re-signing him in free agency. Phoenix expected to discuss trades ahead of Paul’s June 28 contract date.
Story at @TheAthletic:
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 7, 2023
If the news from last night were to be confirmed, and that Chris Paul is indeed cut by Phoenix, there is no doubt that several franchises will be on the file to try to acquire his services, he who wants to play several more seasons in order to win a title. Despite his 38 brooms and a real decline, CP3 remains a solid leader – 14 points and 9 assists on average this season – who can be of great service to teams in need, especially if it is in a limited role (even in off the bench).
Among the franchises that can potentially represent a good fit for Chris Paul, we have the two Los Angeles teams: the Clippers and the Lakers. Already because the latter need reinforcement on position 1, and then also because Chris Paul knows the City of Angels well. The one who made six seasons with the Clips and who almost joined Kobe Bryant’s Lakers in 2011 usually spends the summer under the LA sun, so he would clearly not be out of place on the Hollywood side. Finally, we remind you that Paulo is very close to Mister LeBron James, he who is Bronny’s godfather.
— TrashTalk (@TrashTalk_fr) June 7, 2023
Other teams – notably title contenders – were quickly linked to Chris Paul, such as the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks, which exited the playoffs early due in part to issues with offensive execution. Can CP3 join the Eastern Conference for the first time in his career? Why not. Another franchise potentially to watch, still in the East: the Chicago Bulls, who will have to find a solution to replace Lonzo Ball. Finally, the Dallas Mavericks can also be included in the list, those who seek to strengthen after the debacle of this season and whose file Kyrie Irving – future free agent – represents a big question mark within the franchise.
What will happen with Chris Paul between now and June 28? The future will tell. The CP3 camp would nevertheless like to be fixed as soon as possible to be able to move on, but at the same time the Suns also seem to be thinking very hard about the Deandre Ayton file, which could soon be transferred… One thing is certain in the end, it will continue to move to Phoenix!
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Source texte : ESPN / The Athletic
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