FILE PHOTO: Jul 6, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul (3) against the Milwaukee Bucks during game one of the 2021 NBA Finals at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Point guard Chris Paul is staying in Phoenix, agreeing to a four-year deal worth up to $120 million, according to several reported Monday.
Paul led the Suns to the NBA Finals last season and underwent wrist surgery, but should be ready for the start of the 2021-22 NBA season, ESPN reported.
Paul opted out of his contract by declining a $44.2 million player option for next season, becoming an unrestricted free agent. The 36-year-old still is coveted by the Suns, who went to the Finals for the first time since 1993 in Paul’s first season in Phoenix.
Contract agreements with free agents cannot become official until August 6, the start of the new league year.
Paul played through hand, wrist and shoulder injuries in the 2021 playoffs but was able to guide the Suns into Game 6 of the Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks.
In his 16th NBA season, Paul averaged 16.4 points, 8.9 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game with the Suns. In 20 playoff games, he averaged 19.2 points, 8.6 assists and 3.5 rebounds.