Chris Paul is now one of the most coveted free agents lurking in the market after the Phoenix Suns decided to waive the 17-year veteran on Wednesday. With the 38-year-old still possessing championship aspirations, CP3 can add tremendously to any franchise's ambitions of making a deep playoff run.
Despite producing a career-low 13.9 PPG and 8.9 assists on 44.0% shooting from the floor (first time since 2007-08) in the 2022-23 season, CP3's playmaking abilities are enough to attract a big market team. Here are the top 3 most suitable destinations for Chris Paul after being waived by the Phoenix Suns.
The first team would ironically be the one who deprived Chris Paul of winning his first championship ring in 2021. Given that the Milwaukee Bucks have a lethal point guard in Jrue Holiday, there is no way that his place in the starting five would be hindered by the arrival of CP3. On the contrary, Holiday could focus more on scoring rather than playmaking.
Holiday has played exceptionally well in the two-guard position and is more than capable of playing off the ball. Another scorer who is bound to benefit humongous is Giannis Antetokounmpo. Given that the Greek Freak's love from close range is well known to all, CP3's iconic pick-and-roll can allow Giannis better opportunities to attack the rim. Perhaps this two-man combination might just be the tandem the rest of the league doesn't want to see.
When the Rockets traded Chris Paul to the Thunder in 2019, many speculated the 'Point God' could be entering the last phase of his career. However, the then 34-year-old proved his potential of still being an elite point guard by leading the franchise to the playoffs. While OKC was poised to start its rebuild the next year, CP3 had different plans.
Moreover, CP3 has already shared the backcourt with a young Shai Gilgeous Alexander. Now the 24-year-old guard has propelled into being a full-blown superstar who made the All-NBA First Team and even finished as the fourth-leading scorer in the 2022-23 season.
Come the 2023-24 season, the Thunder are going to be a completely different team, with 2022 No.2 pick - Chet Holmgren making his debut alongside Josh Giddey and Jalen Williams. Perhaps a veteran's experience is the only ingredient required for this franchise to have a breakout year.
One might assume that Kyrie Irving's trade pursuit might be going strong, yet, in reality, there are too many complications for the 8-time All-Star to play alongside LeBron James. However, if the Purple and Gold do want to replace D'Angelo Russell, CP3 could the ideal candidate. Not only will CP3 propel Anthony Davis to attack the rim, but can even fill the Lakers' ball-handling voids.
For those unaware of the story - 11 years ago, CP3 came close to donning the Purple and Gold jersey when Los Angeles Lakers acquired him in a massive blockbuster deal that would have paired him with Kobe Bryant. But then-NBA Commissioner David Stern vetoed the trade as Paul eventually ended up going to their city rivals.
This move could complete a full circle for Paul, contesting for a championship alongside his good friend LeBron.
Despite waiving the veteran guard, NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski highlighted how the Phoenix Suns are lingering around other possibilities to keep their star playmaker.
"They're going to have talks about Deandre Ayton, so can they move money around to keep Chris Paul on the roster? Or find a trade where they can build out their depth. Right now, Phoenix would like to find a way to financially keep Chris Paul on this roster," Adrian Wojnarowski said.
The Phoenix Suns are bound to guarantee Paul's $30.8 million team option on June 28th. If there is a decline in the proposal, CP3 is entitled to $15.8 million as a guarantee. However, this amount will count against the Suns' cap, especially when Mat Ishbia's team is over the luxury tax line.
After his likely buyout, the NBA Trade Report's mentioned four teams might be thrilled to get CP3 on a mid-level contract or a minimum as none of them have the salary space to offer him a massive paycheck.