NBA Rumors: Chris Paul To The Heat Is His Last Chance For Championship

Chris Paul just got traded from NBA championship contention this summer when the Rockets dealt him to the Slumping Oklahoma City Thunder. The 34-year-old guard still has plenty in his tank to prove naysayers wrong, but staying in OKC could end his championship aspirations.

Regardless of whether he opts to stay, the future Hall-of-Famer is running out of options. The only thing that would make sense at the moment is going to a team that has the odds for a deep playoff run, an organization like the Miami Heat.

Staying in OKC, which currently is on a full rebuild mode after shipping their franchise cornerstone Russel Westbrook and 2nd star Paul George would be futile. Fans would want Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to develop into a reliable point man while they'll be tanking for a top prospect in the draft.

Chris Paul has only a few years left of his prime; arguably, he was still one of the best point guards last season. The savvy six-foot floor general averaged 15.6 points, 8.2 assists, 4.6 rebounds and two steals last year and he can contribute more when he's healthy.

Paul, for the time being, would opt to suit up for a winning team and the only organization that fits the mold is Miami. The Heat has just recently signed Jimmy Butler this offseason, and they've got plenty of young guns that can contribute off the floor.

For the scenario to happen, Miami should be willing to let go of Goran Dragic, Dion Waiters, James Johnson, Justise Winslow, and Kelly Olynyk. Chris Paul's huge contract would need to be compensated, but the departure of these players would give rise to Heat's up and coming young guns.

Bam Adebayo is slowly proving his worth last year despite limited minutes. Tyler Herro has shown significant upside in this year's NBA summer games. Meanwhile, Meyers Leonard has proven himself time and time again as an effective stretch-five.

They would still have Derrick Jones, James Johnson and Udonis Haslem as reliable veteran back-ups. Chris Silva also is an exciting prospect that's worth developing in the power forward spot.

A duo of Paul and Butler would probably have some repercussions in the beginning, but when both are on the same page, they can be one of the best backcourts in the NBA. They won't top teams like the Philadelphia 76ers or Milwaukee Bucks, but they can be successful in the much weaker eastern conference division.

Pat Riley is probably sitting somewhere tinkering the team's roster. Paul's contract is understandably bad but also is the Heat's current lineup with players that are holding back the organization's spending ability. If we were to guess, I would rather have a big payroll with two stars than have the same with a group of glorified role players.

If there's a chance for the Heat to gamble on Paul, it is now. Next year or the year after will already be too late.