Report: Chris Paul returns to the Suns on a four-year deal

Veteran point guard Chris Paul has signed a four-year, $120 million contract with the Phoenix Suns in free agency, according to Chris Haynes. Paul declined his player option of $44.2 million to become a free agent prior to the August 1 deadline, which was expected as he looked to sign a long-term deal.

Paul has bounced around the the league in recent years, going from the Houston Rockets to the Oklahoma City Thunder before eventually ending up with the Phoenix Suns this past year. Many expected the veteran point guard to be just another aging star on the Suns, but his leadership and stellar play propelled the team to its first playoff berth in 10 seasons and eventually, the 2021 NBA Finals. Paul was brilliant in the first two games, but struggled from that point on as the Suns lost to the Milwaukee Bucks 4-2.

The Rockets signed Paul to a four-year, $160 million deal when they attempted to overtake the Golden State Warriors with Kevin Durant. Paul and James Harden helped the Rockets reach new heights, but an injury in the Western conference finals probably cost the pair a chance at a championship.

Paul averaged 16.4 points and 8.9 assists per game last season while shooting 49.9 percent from the floor. In the last three seasons, he’s averaging 16.6 points and 7.9 assists per game while shooting 47.3 percent from the field.