Phoenix Suns’ Chris Paul declines to join Team USA

The Athletic reported on Tuesday that Chris Paul planned to play with Team USA in the Olympic Games in Tokyo, but that was later refuted by ESPN.

USA Basketball has known that Paul was trending toward this decision for several days, per sources. If Suns reach NBA Finals, there would be virtually no break before end of his NBA season and start of July Olympics in Tokyo. https://t.co/1HS80xs5nf

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 22, 2021

Paul guided the Phoenix Suns to the Western Conference finals but is currently sidelined and in COVID-19 protocol. Phoenix hosts Game 2 of the best-of-seven series with the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday.

Paul, 36, is a two-time Olympian, winning gold medals with Team USA in 2008 and 2012.

It is uncertain when Paul can return to action due to COVID protocol.

Playing in Phoenix this season, Paul is on his third team in three seasons. He played for the Houston Rockets before a trade to the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2019.

Paul averaged 16.4 points, 8.9 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game with the Suns in the regular season, helping Phoenix reach the conference finals for the first time since 2010.

–Field Level Media