Unlike many top-tier NBA free agents during the summer of 2018, Chris Paul’s decision did not appear to come with much drama. The rare circumstances of his arrival in Houston, headlined by an “opt-in-and-trade” scenario, seemed to provide clarity that the future Hall of Fame point guard would be re-signing with the Rockets and that was the operating norm throughout the process.
With that as the backdrop, Paul has pulled the trigger on a deal that will keep him in Texas alongside James Harden on a team that was perilously close to championship glory just a few weeks ago. According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Paul is in for a gigantic payday to stay in Houston.
All-Star Chris Paul will sign a four-year, $160M max contract to stay with the Houston Rockets, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2018
Paul confirmed the news right at the onset of free agency via Uninterrupted.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS…RUN IT BACK 🤘🏾🚀 pic.twitter.com/KwWcsp6lx6
— Chris Paul (@CP3) July 1, 2018
If not for Paul’s hamstring injury, an argument could be made that the Rockets would have been the reigning NBA champions and the 33-year-old is a big reason why. Despite playing in a “supporting” role for the first time in his career, Paul averaged 18.6 points, 7.9 assists and 5.4 rebounds per game last season, with high-end defense (1.7 steals per game) and the same impressive efficiency that has been a trademark for more than a decade.
The rest of Houston’s team-building will be interesting to monitor, especially through the prism of pursuing an elusive NBA title. Paul will be on board for it all, though, and the Rockets boast an incredible backcourt tandem as a result.
