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After the disappointment of losing in the NBA finals, veteran point guard Chris Paul will now have to make a decision on his future. Paul has still not taken up the player option in his two-year contract with the Phoenix Suns, and various teams are waiting in line to swoop at him in NBA free agency in 2021.
Three teams best position to land Chris Paul in NBA free agency 2021
Chris Paul's salary demands mean that there are only a few teams that can afford him the 2021 NBA offseason. On top of that, franchisees that are looking for success in the short term are likely to make a move for him, which leaves the former OKC Thunder star with only a handful of options if he chooses to leave the Phoenix Suns.
On that note, here are three teams best positioned to land Chris Paul in 2021 NBA free agency if he decides to spurn the reigning Western Conference champions.
#3 - Miami Heat
The Miami Heat had a 2021 postseason to forget as they were swept by the NBA champions in the first round of the playoffs itself. They were outplayed on both ends of the floor, and the three-time NBA title winners are expected to be quite active during the offseason in order to improve the current roster.
The Miami Heat have been on the lookout for a guard for some time now, and Chris Paul is where their search could end. The Heat's experience with Victor Oladipo hasn't been a pleasant one, but Paul can come in and provide the side with some much-needed offense from the point guard position.
The Miami Heat can clear the required cap space to land Paul, and are a win-now team with the likes of Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. Chris Paul is still one of the best players in the league and will be a seamless fit for a team that believes in a win-at-all-costs mentality.
#2 - Dallas Mavericks
Throughout the 2021 NBA playoffs, the Dallas Mavericks had a glaring need - the roster lacked a player who could generate looks for himself and his teammates. Luka Doncic had to do all the scoring and playmaking almost by himself, and he ran out of gas by the end of the first round series against the LA Clippers.
The Mavericks desperately need a second ball-handler, and Chris Paul could be the answer to all their problems. Paul is adept at reading the game and making plays on the half-court, which will enable Doncic to play with less pressure on him. The former Charlotte Hornets player is still one of the best passers in the league, and the Mavericks can afford to sign him in 2021 NBA free agency.
#1 - New York Knicks
The New York Knicks have been frantically searching for a superstar addition for years now, and they should look no further than Chris Paul, who might be available this summer. Paul will be a great fit with the Knicks, who are expected to sign a starting point guard this summer.
A lack of ball-handlers was one of the biggest reasons why the New York Knicks fell against the Atlanta Hawks in the NBA playoffs, and Chris Paul can help them improve their stagnant offense in the 2021/22 season. He is a brilliant playmaker who has a knack for scoring important points down the stretch and can more than hold his own on the defensive side of the ball.
Chris Paul averaged 16 points and nine assists during the 2020-21 season, and put up 19 points and eight assists during the postseason. Chris Paul is inarguably better than any player Tom Thibodeau has on his roster, and the veteran point guard will be an excellent addition to the playoff hopefuls' side.
The Knicks have more cap space than any other team going into the new season, and they will be better off spending a major chunk of it on Chris Paul.
Also Read: NBA Rumors: Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan interested in joining the LA Lakers in free agency
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