Someone once said that Chris Paul should sign one-year deals with bad NBA teams and turn them into contenders, just to prove that he can. And, while that may not get him the ring he deserves, would be great to watch for the fans.
But on a more realistic note, it’s not a secret that Paul has been in the spotlight for his lack of success in the playoffs throughout his entire career, especially now that he underperformed mightily in his first trip to the NBA Finals.
So, now that he opted out of the final year of his contract with the Phoenix Suns – worthy of $42 million – and is an unrestricted free agent, people speculate what’s going to be the Point God’snext move.
NBA Rumors: The Best Teams For Chris Paul
3. New York Knicks
Legacy-wise, turning the New York Knicks into a championship contender could be what’s best for Chris Paul right now. They were a tough, gritty team under Tom Thibodeau’s first year in command, but it was clear that they needed a starting-caliber point guard.
The Knicks’ tough defense would get a massive boost from Paul’s skills, while their offense would go from pedestrian to elite. He can score from all three levels and he’d be deadly in the pick-and-roll with Julius Randle.
Also, he’d get to play in a slightly less difficult conference. Then again, maybe he’s not exactly looking forward to testing his luck with another young team at this point in his career, even if that means passing on the chance to leading the Knicks to the NBA Finals.
2. Phoenix Suns
Most people believe that Chris Paul should just run it back and sign a 2-3 year deal with the Phoenix Suns and I won’t be the one to disagree. I mean, he’s with his favorite coach in Monty Williams and they were up 2-0 in the NBA Finals, which is the farthest he’s ever gotten.
Paul and the Suns were a match made in heaven and he needs to prove that this year’s success wasn’t a fluke or that they made it to the Finals just because their rivals got hurt. They’re good enough to do it.
On the downside, the Suns are still young and up-and-coming. Yes, they have a bright future ahead of them, but how often do small-market teams make it to back-to-back NBA Finals? He may not get the ring he’s craving for if he stays.
1. Los Angeles Clippers
Chris Paul and the Los Angeles Clippers didn’t exactly end in the best of terms but it’s time to bury the hatchet. With Russell Westbrook heading to the Los Angeles Lakers, going back to the Clippers could be Paul’s last and only shot to win a ring.
Kawhi Leonard also opted out of his contract so maybe they could both figure something out and create a Big 3 next to Paul George. The Clippers are well-coached by Tyronn Lue and they were one injury away from maybe upsetting the Suns and going to the Finals.
Los Angeles needs a point guard and a floor general and guess what? Chris Paul is one of the best of all time. Should he put his ego aside and give up some money, he could finally put a ring on that finger.