The Phoenix Suns' fairytale in the 2020/21 NBA season ended in disappointment as the Milwaukee Bucks secured the title on Game 6 to win their first ring in 50 years. Chris Paul came up short in his quest for a first championship again, and now his future is up in the air.
The veteran point guard got closer than ever to finally adding the greatest accolade to his brilliant career, yet not even his 26-point performance on Wednesday night was enough to force Game 7. Paul, 36, is not getting any younger and it seems like he just missed a massive opportunity to finally get his hands on the NBA trophy.
It was also a heartbreaking result for the Suns after an impressive regular season and a solid run in the playoffs, as their long wait for a ring continues. However, things could get even worse for them, as Chris Paul now has to decide whether to stay for another year or look for his first success somewhere else.
Magic Johnson suggests Chris Paul should join LeBron and the Lakers to win an NBA championship
The Bucks' first triumph since 1970 will probably take the spotlight for a few more days, but the basketball community will be also starting to keep an eye on Chris Paul's future. Others, such as the NBA legend Magic Johnson, have already begun to speculate about what's next for him.
As soon as Milwaukee sealed their win on Game 6, the former Los Angeles Lakers superstar said: "If Chris Paul opts out of his contract with the Suns, his first call should be from his best friend LeBron James and the Lakers."
LeBron James and Paul are close friends, as they've supported each other throughout their careers - LeBron even attended Game 5 to cheer on the Suns' star - so it would be no surprise to see them discuss joining forces next season.
Magic Johnson: "A big three with LeBron, Chris, and AD will equal a NBA championship!"
Magic Johnson, however, went further and stated that Chris Paul, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis would secure the NBA ring for the Los Angeles Lakers. Well, should they manage to stay healthy, they would definitely set up the mightiest trio in the West - and arguably in the league.
Time is running out for Chris Paul, who at 36 got really close to finally winning an NBA championship for the first time in his career but came up short again. Therefore, maybe it is time for him to join a superteam and go all in for the greatest prize a basketball player can win.
Paul will probably be facing his last chances to adding the NBA ring to his legacy, and joining an ambitious Lakers could be the right move to finally doing so. The point guard, however, would have to opt out of his contract with the Suns, declining an extremely lucrative offer. Will he end up wearing the purple and gold next season?
