After watching Chris Paul play a key role in turning the Suns into a legit title contender in 2020/21, teams around the NBA are weighing whether they might be able to replicate that success by adding a veteran guard such as Kyle Lowry, Mike Conley, or Paul himself this summer, writes ESPN’s Brian Windhorst. Those three point guards will be free agents and will headline a talented group that also includes Lonzo Ball, Spencer Dinwiddie, Dennis Schröder, and Derrick Rose, among others.
According to both Windhorst and Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer, there’s a belief around the NBA that the Jazz will be able to re-sign Conley this offseason, even if they have to shed some salary to comfortably do so. However, they’ll face competition for the point guard. Windhorst and Fischer identify the Mavericks as one team expected to be in the hunt for Conley.
As for Paul, he has indicated he’s prepared to turn down his $44MM+ player option for 2021/22, but it’s possible that’s a leverage play, writes Windhorst. If the Suns and Paul are interested in continuing their relationship, a scenario in which CP3 picks up his player option and then signs an extension at a lesser rate may be in both sides’ best interest. If Paul does opt out and seeks a new team, he’ll be limited by the Over-38 rule to a three-year contract.
Here are a few more notes on the point guard free agent market:
- Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer confirms a Miami Herald report that stated Kyle Lowry is expected to be seeking a three-year, $90MM contract in free agency.
- The Knicks will be among Lowry’s suitors and are willing to offer him somewhere between $20-30MM per year for two seasons, according to Pompey, who says that Spencer Dinwiddie and swingman Evan Fournier are among New York’s other potential targets. Dinwiddie is thought to be seeking $25MM annually, while Fournier is after $18MM per year, says Pompey. I’m skeptical that Dinwiddie, especially, will achieve that goal.
- Dinwiddie is viewed as a likely Plan B for the Pelicans if they’re unable to land Lowry, according to Fischer. As Windhorst notes, current New Orleans GM Trajan Langdon previously worked in Brooklyn’s front office during Dinwiddie’s time with the Nets.
- League executives believe the Pelicans are willing to let Lonzo Ball go if they find another option they like or if Ball receives an aggressive offer sheet, writes Windhorst.
- Bulls head coach Billy Donovan, who had success with Dennis Schröder in Oklahoma City, is thought to be interested in a potential reunion with the Lakers guard, according to Windhorst.
- Timberwolves veteran Ricky Rubio is among the point guards whose names have been floated on the trade market so far, per Windhorst.
The most feasible path for Paul is
Opt in and sign 2 year $60 million extension
Threat
Paul wants to opt out and join the Knicks
I’d be fine with him opting out. No one needs a 38 year old point guard at $30 million.
Yeah no one wanted a 37 year old PG at 45 mil and look where we got the Suns lmao
Knicks may pursue Ball, but I think they may end up with Conley. Conley and Rose at the point is good enough to carry a young team forward as they continue to draft talent.
If I’m knicks I’d rather have dinwiddie
They need more offensive juice. He could also play alongside quickley when needed.
Not a good fit alongside Randle and RJ. He’s a subpar shooter all around. Shoots a low FG% and requires a lot of touches. Shoots a very low 3p%. He’s even a shaky free throw shooter year to year. He would detract from our main goal.
Conley isn’t leaving Utah
How long have I’ve been saying Dinwiddie and Fournier. Simply cause they give us what we need. And they are FA we can just sign them. And still draft young talent. These guys are young vets and fill a big need. I’d be very happy with both. Murphy is looking like he could go ahead of #19.
Dinwiddy gives us below average shooting accross the board. A ton of touches and he’s an inconsistent player coming off an injury looking for big money. You’re way off. Look at his shooting percentages
We don’t need an old guard. We are not contending for a yr or two. And only if we do this right. We are better off with young vets or young guns. (Dinwiddie or Mitchell, Giddey. I’d move up draft for Bouknight, Mitchell, Johnson, Giddey. All have big futures and can help next yr.
Fournier looked good vs USA, scoring in many ways. He looked at least $18m’s worth.
Like Ujiri, I might wish DeColo came over. But I don’t think any other French player is looking at a raise.
(Jrue Holiday was casually the best American; maybe his attitude of just running the season a little longer was the key. No “Olympic shock”!).
Bulls should try to convince Rose to return to Chicago, and make an offer to Patrick Beverley – good story brings 2 guards home to finish their careers in their home town. Better, they are the 2 elements the Bulls need, defensive pest who can handle the ball late in games, and a veteran pg who is a scoring threat to complement Lavine.
My guess is that they could attempt that and have McConnell as a backup plan. They cannot afford any of the big names discussed here, but my guess is they will make an attempt at Dinwiddie, Ball, and Schroder, but won’t have the money for the last 2 and the stomach for risk associated with the first one.