Chris Paul's time with the Suns looks to be over.
TNT's Chris Haynes reported on Wednesday that Phoenix will be waiving the veteran point guard this offseason. He will now become a free agent heading into what would be the 19th season of his NBA career.
BREAKING: Phoenix Suns have notified star Chris Paul that he will be waived, making the future Hall of Famer one of the top free agents this offseason, league sources tell @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) June 7, 2023
The Athletic's Shams Charania later claimed that no final decision has been made, with the organization still considering its options. However, it appears likely Paul has played his last game for Phoenix.
CP3 spent three years with the Suns, helping lead them to an NBA Finals appearance in 2021 before falling to the Bucks in six games. However, they exited the playoffs in the second round in both of the past two seasons.
MORE: Why did the Suns waive Chris Paul? Phoenix cuts ties with star guard after injury-riddled season
Now, at 38 years of age, Paul is once again on the hunt for a new team.
His age, coupled with his injury problems this season, have led to some speculation that the 12-time All-Star might consider retirement. He suffered a groin strain in Game 2 against Denver this postseason and was sidelined for the remainder of the series.
However, all indications are that Paul is eager to return next season to make another run at the ring that has eluded him throughout his career.
Is Chris Paul retiring?
As of right now, it appears unlikely Paul will retire this offseason.
In a follow-up to his original report, Haynes said on Wednesday CP3 "plans to play for several more years and is eager to help a team contend for a championship."
Chris Paul plans to play for several more years and is eager to help a team contend for a championship, sources say.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) June 7, 2023
That suggests the "Point God" will be looking to join a title contender in the coming months.
Paul is coming off of one of the least productive seasons of his long NBA career. He averaged a career-low 13.9 points in addition to 8.9 assists and 4.3 rebounds during the 2022-23 regular season. He also played in just 59 games due to battling several injuries.
Still, it looks as if his Hall-of-Fame career will continue for at least another year or two.
Chris Paul career stats
Career stats
- 17.9 points per game
- 9.5 assists per game
- 4.5 rebounds per game
- 2.4 turnovers per game
- 47.2 percent field goal shooting
- 36.9 percent 3-point shooting
- 87.0 percent free throw shooting
