3. It is Chris Paul’s last chance to join a title-contender
As good as the Phoenix Suns were in the regular season and as good of a story as they are, they are not legitimate title-contenders. The fact that the Lakers are heavily favored indicates just that and even if they get by the Lakers, it is doubtful they can beat a team like the Brooklyn Nets or Philadelphia 76ers, if they even get that far.
They are just too young, are not good enough defensively (have been mediocre since the All-Star Break) and don’t have the depth. They are a playoff team for the next several years for sure, title-contender they are not (unless they land another star).
The Suns do not have the means to sign another star but Paul has the means to join a team with more stars and compete for an NBA Championship. Heck, perhaps that team is the Los Angeles Lakers. If the Lakers cannot re-sign any of their guards and Paul takes a paycut then who knows, crazier things have happened.
The team that probably makes the most sense is the Miami Heat, who have cap space and have two stars in Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. Plus, CP3 in Miami seems like such a natural fit to end his career.
Regardless, Paul should be looking to spend the rest of his career actually contending for a title, not being a one-year playoff fixer like he has been the last two years. He has been a consummate professional in those roles. He deserves more.
The Los Angeles Lakers will be the last team that Chris Paul plays as a member of the Phoenix Suns.