PHOENIX, ARIZONA – APRIL 25: Russell Westbrook #0 of the LA Clippers hugs Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns after the Suns defeated the Clippers 136-130 in game five of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Footprint Center on April 25, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The Phoenix Suns have reportedly told Chris Paul that they will be waiving the 18-year NBA veteran. Bleacher Report and TNT’s Chris Haynes’ broke the news via Twitter on Wednesday. After over two years in the Valley, Paul will now enter free agency while the Suns continue to reconstruct around their new ace in Kevin Durant and poster boy Devin Booker.
The 38-year-old left Game 2 of their second-round series against the Denver Nuggets after sustaining a groin injury, never to return again in a Suns uniform. Meanwhile, the Suns–who were highly favored after acquiring Durant from Brooklyn–lost to the eventual Western Conference Champions in six games.
The organization pulled the first plug by firing Monty Williams from the head coaching position. And now merely 24 hours after announcing Frank Vogel’s hiring, they have informed the future Hall of Famer that they are opting out of his services.
How realistic is a CP3-Clippers reunion?
The market is wide open for the Point God at this point. However, we have seen from the likes of Carmelo Anthony that free agency is not always rainbows and butterflies for aging legends.
A return to the team he once helped make relevant might not be a terrible idea for both parties.
This past season, the Clippers rolled the dice by signing Russell Westbrook. And though it was a gamble for the organization, it was not as catastrophic as some expected. A disciplined and calm Westbrook became the Clips’ primary ball handler, but it did not produce many results.
Westbrook is also an unrestricted free agent, which means the Clippers have room and money to sign a new floor general. The Clippers can take a chance on CP3, Paul George, and Kawhi Leonard. Signing him to a one-year contract, perhaps a final Hail Marry in this experiment.
His leadership and ability might be what they need to get everybody in place. He can bring accountability to the locker room. His experience can be great for young rising stars such as Terrance Mann to be around. Plus having the great mind of Ty Lou coaching one of the higher-IQ players we have seen in the NBA as he slowly exits the sport might be a sight to see.
Los Angeles could be a potential landing spot for Paul. The big question is will it work out for the better? We’ll just have to see.
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Author: Leocciano Callao
June 7, 2023 | 6:26 pm
