Phoenix Suns veteran superstar Chris Paul is expected to decline his $44.4 million player option and search for a new multi-year contract, Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report reports.
For now, Paul and the Suns are focused on the playoff matchup against the Lakers, however for the ‘Point-God’ would make sense to sign a new deal next offseason, Pincus writes.
“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.”
After suffering a shoulder injury at the start of the Suns-Lakers series, Paul returned to his usual production in Game 4 as he scored a team-high 18 points and provided nine assists in the 100-93 win.
The Suns may need CP3’s leadership until Devin Booker and DeAndre Ayton are mature enough to become the leaders of a young core in Phoenix.
