Chris Paul’s pending free-agency continues to shadow the Phoenix Suns as they try to move on from their NBA Finals defeat at the hands of the Milwaukee Bucks. The question of whether or not Paul returns next year continues to haunt fans as well, with many likely pondering it over and over again as they drive into work each day, sip their morning coffee, and brush their teeth before bed.
Having cemented himself last year as a truely all-time great point guard after earning MVP nods even at 36 years old, most expect Paul to take advantage, and pursue a more lucrative contract this summer. That puts significant pressure on the Suns to reel him back in, as it was Paul who primarily helped them rise from mediocrity to reigning Western Conference champions.
However, it certainly seems like Paul needs the Suns, just as much as the Suns need him. After all, it was with this Phoenix team where Paul finally reached the NBA Finals even after logging 16 seasons as a pro. With this reasoning acknowledged, it feels likely that Paul re-signs with the Suns, and silences the rumours tying him to LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers.
Last year, Paul averaged 16.4 points and 8.9 assists per game while shooting 39.5 percent from beyond the arc. Should he indeed return, the Suns can make their way back to the Finals, re-solidifying their core with the team almost certain to offer contract extensions to Deandre Ayton and Mikal Bridges this offseason as well.
But if we learned anything over the last few days, merely making the NBA Finals does not exactly satisfy. The Suns need to win it all, and to do that, they need to upgrade their roster.
With Paul having played beside countless valued NBA players as a multi-year veteran, his past might point toward the perfect newcomers to bring aboard ahead next season. Above them all though, these two stand out.