The Phoenix Suns drew their swords.
According to TNT reporter Chris Haynes, Phoenix informed ‘CP3’ Chris Paul (Guard, 183cm, 79kg) of their release.
Although he has not yet made a release, it is understood that he is trying to break up first. Reporter Shams Charania of 『The Athletic』 announced that they are reviewing trade, deferment of payment, and re-contract after complete release.
Phoenix is unwilling to be with Paul. It seems that there is no intention to be together with the contract exactly. He re-signed with Phoenix in the summer of 2021. Phoenix signed a four-year, $120 million contract with Paul. However, the salary for the upcoming 2023-2024 season is partially guaranteed, and not guaranteed in the final year of his contract.
Paul’s salary for next season is set at $30.8 million. The double guaranteed amount is $15 million. If Phoenix releases Paul, he could cut his salary total next season. For Phoenix, who already has a lot of expenses, it may be the intention to accompany Paul after reducing the size of the contract rather than the current salary.
Back in May, Phoenix was expected to join Paul. He might break up with him, but not just because he’s full of experience than anyone else, but because he’s all-star worthy. However, Paul had to watch the team’s elimination as he was injured again in a big game. Accordingly, it is understood that Phoenix is trying to manage expenses by letting Paul go first.
Since Kevin Durant and Devin Booker are already holding out, having a pole in the backcourt may be an overlap of power. So, rather than having Paul and bearing the burden of spending, if you let Paul go and bring in another player, or if you get him on a contract equivalent to the minimum salary after you let him go, you only have to spend about $17 million on him. While reducing the total annual salary, you can start other recruitment.
Once released through payment deferment, it cannot be captured again. However, if you opt for a general release, Paul can rejoin Phoenix. This requires both sides to build trust. However, if another club is interested in signing Paul, the story could be different. Because Paul, who could be broken-hearted, might not want to go back to Phoenix.
Now with Phoenix at the forefront, adding Booker, DeAndre Ayton and Landry Shammett, confirmed spending for next season is over $115 million. Add that to Paul’s guaranteed contract, and that’s $130 million. He’s approaching the salary cap ($134 million). However, if Paul and Cameron Payne’s contracts were guaranteed, his annual salary total would be around $160 million, which would put him close to the luxury tax line ($162 million).
Taking Paul’s contract off would bring Phoenix’s annual salary below the apron ($140 million). Over the years, a lot of effort has been put into maintaining power, so if you cross the apron this time, you will face a progressive tax. As a result, it is understood that Phoenix is trying to move forward by first sorting out the pole, which can reduce the amount of spending.메이저놀이터
If Phoenix sends Paul and Payne, there is a small margin to the salary cap. Here, it is possible to reinforce power by utilizing the exception clause. Furthermore, recently appointed coach Frank Vogel mentioned Ayton’s potential for development. Initially, it was predicted that he would send Ayton while holding Paul, but it is understood that Phoenix is trying to build power while retaining Ayton.
Paul’s performance this season was also not clear. He appeared in 59 games and posted 13.9 points (.440 .375 .831), 4.3 rebounds, 8.9 assists and 1.5 steals per game. His scoring average has been declining since the last 2019-2020 season, and it was the lowest average since entering the NBA. He was in his late 30s, so his performance was somewhat disappointing compared to his annual salary.