The Phoenix Suns are prepared to move on from point guard Chris Paul, planning to release him into NBA free agency if they can’t trade him this month. While Paul hasn’t officially hit the open market, multiple contenders have already lined up with interest in pursuing him.
While Paul didn’t play at an All-Star level last season, he was still a productive and efficient player. He posted a 2.2 Offensive RAPTOR and averaged 8.9 assists per game while playing 32 minutes per contest in the regular season.
- Chris Paul career stats: 21,755 points, 11,501 assists, 2,544 steals
Related: Two surprise NBA contenders likely to pursue Chris Paul
Entering his age-38 season, Paul is prioritizing teams who can offer him the opportunity to win a championship. It’s put the Los Angeles Clippers, Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks and Milwaukee Bucks at the forefront of discussions for his best landing spots in free agency. However, there’s also a financial cost to landing Paul.
According to Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer, many around the NBA believe that Paul could get a significant portion of, if not all, the full mid-level exception this summer in free agency.
The future Hall of Famer is under contract for $30.8 million next season, but Phoenix is leaning towards releasing him before June 28 and only guaranteeing him $15.8 million.
It means Paul could sign a one-year deal worth upwards of $12 million. According to Spotrac, the mid-level exception for non-taxpayer teams is $12.22 million next season. Teams that operate above the salary cap and pay into the luxury tax could offer $5 million.
As of now, the Clippers and Lakers are viewed as the early front-runners to land the 12-time All-Star selection. However, other teams will get involved as Paul’s leadership, experience and on-court vision make him a viable fit for numerous clubs.
Related: NBA reporter shares what Chris Paul is looking for in next team
Phoenix will use the next two weeks to attempt to find a trade partner, but many NBA teams will likely play things out. If the Suns ultimately release Paul, they will be on the hook for a majority of his salary next season, allowing another team to sign him at a discount rate.
With NBA free agency beginning in July, there will soon be definitive answers on where Paul and the top NBA free agents land this summer.
