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Jan 1, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Mikal Bridges (25) and guard Chris Paul (3) and Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) and center Deandre Ayton (22) and forward Jae Crowder (99) react following a fourth quarter time out against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
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Jan 1, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Mikal Bridges (25) and guard Chris Paul (3) and Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) and center Deandre Ayton (22) and forward Jae Crowder (99) react following a fourth quarter time out against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Phoenix Suns’ Chris Paul had the first taste of the NBA Finals this season, and it was bittersweet for him. Even though this was the highest landmark of his career, the 36-YO guard was left hanging only two games away from the title.
The early 2-0 lead by the Suns in the Finals fell shy in front of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s ‘freaky’ dominance. And eventually, the Milwaukee Bucks lifted the Larry O’Brien trophy of season 2020-21.
On the other hand, the Phoenix Suns had a highlight season this year. They sat right behind the Utah Jazz to secure the second seed in the western conference standings. Moving on with the season, their veteran point guard carried them through the challenging postseason. Eliminating the Lakers, Nuggets, and Clippers on the way, the Suns made a starry finals appearance.
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USA Today via Reuters
Jun 20, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) drives to the basket against the Los Angeles Clippers in the first half during game one of the Western Conference Finals for the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Is Chris Paul leaving Phoenix Suns this summer?
Chris Paul took the charge of the Suns and led them with his 16-year experience in the league. Averaging 19.2 PPG in the 2021 Playoffs, Paul made this year count. However, reaching that close to the Finals and not making it to the winning side wasn’t the end he wished for. So, is there a next destination for Paul in this trade season?
Last summer, Paul got traded from Oklahoma City Thunder to the Phoenix Suns. Portland Trail Blazers star CJ McCollum believes that Chris Paul isn’t going anywhere. “It’s hard to imagine a scenario where they [Phoenix Suns] would let Chris Paul walk out the door. He wouldn’t necessarily want to.”
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Jun 30, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul (3) celebrates with guard Devin Booker (1) after scoring a basket against the Los Angeles Clippers during the second half in game six of the Western Conference Finals for the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
READ MORE: NBA Trade Rumors: Lakers Targeting Knicks Guard in Addition to Chris Paul
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McCollum further added on a podcast – He really wanted that trade to Phoenix. More than anybody, Chris Paul engineered that trade. The deal that they did in Oklahoma City with the Suns was on the table for like two months. The offer didn’t go up, the offer didn’t go down, it was the same package that they ultimately did.”
Better days are coming for Paul and the Suns
Considering how eager Chris Paul was to join Devin Booker in Phoenix, the chances of him leaving seems bleak. Moreover, McCollum predicts, “This summer’s gonna be really big for him. The trade market was a lot smaller last year.”
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The point god of Phoenix has upgraded a lower-tier team to a championship level. With a historic season this year, Phoenix Suns would want to hold on to Paul for a little longer. Having said that, will Chris Paul grab the title next year?
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