After a surprise run to the NBA Finals this summer, Phoenix Suns point guard Chris Paul had a decision to make on whether or not he would stay in Phoenix or jump ship to another team. He declined his $44 million player option in August and was set to become an unrestricted free agent, something that likely brought a little fear to the Suns’ organization that he might leave.
However, quickly after free agency started, Paul signed a four-year $120 million deal to remain in Phoenix, something that apparently wasn’t a difficult choice to make for the veteran guard.
“It was an easy decision,” Paul said via USA Today. “Not only did I love the basketball aspect, I’m close to family (in Los Angeles) and Phoenix is a family, too. I’m excited to be back there.”
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After deciding to run it back with the young and talented Suns squad, Paul will now try and get back to the Finals after reaching that pinnacle for the first time in his career last season. With a healthier — and deeper — Western Conference it won’t be a surefire thing that Phoenix will be able to get back on that stage again. But after proving to everyone last season that the Suns are a serious championship-contending team, they will certainly be in the mix.
“The thing I’m looking forward to now is our approach to the every day,” Paul said. “You don’t start the season and get to automatically end up at the Finals again. It’s another building process, and I’m excited about going through this experience with these guys because I went as far (in the playoffs) as I’ve ever been. We’ll be on this journey of something new together.”
It will be a tough task to get back to the NBA Finals, but the Suns have the pieces to get back there again if Paul, Devin Booker and the rest of Phoenix’s squad is able to build upon the success they experienced a season ago.
