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The Phoenix Suns and point guard Chris Paul are among the big winners early in the NBA’s free agency period, according to several NBA writers.
They included the franchise and the point guard on their lists of winners and losers in NBA free agency after Monday’s moves, the first day allowed for transactions during the period.
Many writers loved what Phoenix did on Monday and they also raved about the deal that Paul was able to receive to run it back with the Suns.
Check out what they are saying about the Suns and Paul after the initial wave of NBA free agency in 2021.
More: Phoenix Suns’ Chris Paul signing receives mixed reaction in NBA free agency grades
More: Phoenix Suns included in Kawhi Leonard next team odds in NBA free agency
CBS Sports: Chris Paul a big winner in NBA free agency
Colin Ward-Henninger writes: “Two years ago, after Chris Paul was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder along with draft picks for Russell Westbrook, there wasn’t a person in the world who thought Paul, as a 36-year-old, would ever entertain the idea of turning down his $44 million option for the 2021-22 season. Well, two All-NBA seasons and a Finals appearance later, the future Hall of Famer did exactly that, opting for a new four-year contract with the Phoenix Suns worth upwards of $120 million. Not all of that money is guaranteed, but what a turnaround for a guy who looked to be on his way out of the league after injury-riddled seasons with the Rockets.”
Fox Sports: Chris Paul a free-agency winner with deal with Phoenix Suns
Yaron Weitzman writes: “It was only two years ago that every NBA observer was labeling Paul’s contract one of the worst in the league. Now he’s getting a four-year, $120 million contract that will carry him to the age of 40.”
For the Win: Continuity rules the day with Chris Paul, other signings
Charles Curtis writes: “It seems pretty clear that continuity ruled the day. Chris Paul declined his option but stayed with the Phoenix Suns, who made it to the NBA Finals last month. Mike Conley stuck with the Utah Jazz, who were the No. 1 seed in the West. Duncan Robinson stayed with the Miami Heat. Tim Hardaway Jr. is still a Maverick. You get the picture. For many members of this free-agent class, they recognized they could contend with what they have.”
Fansided: Suns a big winner on first day of NBA free agency
Alicia de Artola writes: “The Phoenix Suns fell short in the NBA Finals, but they are setting up for another run at the title by hanging onto both Chris Paul and Cameron Payne. Paul signed a sneakily savvy four-year deal worth $120 million, while Payne is coming back for three years at the low, low price of $19 million. Picking up JaVale McGree as a veteran backup big was a cherry on top for a team that needed frontcourt depth behind Deandre Ayton.”
SB Nation: Chris Paul’s bank account an early winner in NBA free agency
Ricky O’Donnell writes: “Chris Paul had made $300 million in NBA contracts before entering free agency again this year at age-36. He was always going to cash in again after helping lead the Phoenix Suns on an inspired run to the NBA Finals in his debut season with the team, and that happened in a big way. Paul is signing a four-year extension worth up to $120 million. The third year of the deal is reportedly a partial guarantee, while the fourth year is unguaranteed. If Paul finishes out the deal, he’ll be making $30 million per year at age-40. Paul’s career earnings if he finishes out this contact would be $420 million. Not bad work if you can get it.”
Oltnews: Chris Paul among NBA free agency early winners
It writes: “Two years ago, after Chris Paul was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder with draft picks for Russell Westbrook, no one in the world thought Paul, at 36, would one day consider turning his 44 million option. dollars for the 2021-22 season. Well, two All-NBA seasons and a final appearance later, the future Hall of Famer did just that, opting for a new four-year contract with the Phoenix Suns worth over $ 120 million. Not all that money is guaranteed, but what a turnaround for a guy who looked like he was on the verge of leaving the league after injury-ridden seasons with the Rockets.”
More: ‘Run it back’: What it means for Chris Paul to stay with Phoenix Suns
Reach Jeremy Cluff at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.
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