KEY POINTS

  • Chris Paul opts out of his $44.2 million deal
  •  Budget constraints hinder the Lakers to go after Paul
  • The Suns have yet to decide on whether to pursue Paul or not

Chris Paul wasted no time in deciding his NBA future.

The 36-year-old has opted out of his $44.2 million deal with the Phoenix Suns and is reportedly seeking a $100 million three-year deal.

According to a report from Shams Charania of The Athletic, Paul declined the $44.2 million player option for the coming season, making him an unrestricted free agent.

A separate report from Marc Bergman of the New York Post claims that the 11-time All-Star wants a longer deal where he could earn at least $30 million a year.

With the decision of Paul, all eyes are now on Phoenix. Considering the boost that the 2006 NBA Rookie of the Year gave the Suns last season, it will be interesting if the team will give in to his demand.

Suns general manager James Jones appears to be optimistic about their chances.

"I think what we have is enticing," Jones said. "I think he likes being here. We like having him here. So I'm confident that we will be able to have a conversation hopefully in the coming days that will make everyone happy."

NBA teams can start signing free agents at 9:01 a.m. (Arizona Time) on Friday.

The only conflict seen here is Paul’s age. He is already 36 years old and the Suns have been investing heavily in youth. The same holds for some other teams.

The three-year deal for Paul may be tricky. However, the 6-foot guard is leaning more on security as his career winds down.

Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul wants to spark his team after a game three loss when it faces host Milwaukee on Wednesday in game three of the NBA Finals
Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Justin Casterline

Paul’s fit to other teams will depend on need. The New York Knicks have been mentioned, a team in need of a guard and a veteran leader to lead the way.

Other teams being mentioned include the Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans.

The Los Angeles Lakers would have made sense. But given that they may have already exhausted their financial options in the Russell Westbrook trade, securing Paul is not looking good.

Lakers fans got a bit excited recently after a photo showing Paul and Westbrook in Los Angeles surfaced on social media.

It unsurprisingly raised speculations. But with the money aspect coming into play, seeing "CP3" join the Lakers' new “Big Three” is low to none.

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