“Never been drunk enough to refuse $45 million”: Charles Barkley says Chris Paul would be mad to turn down $45million player option with Suns despite NBA Finals loss

Suns’ legend Charles Barkley talks about Phoenix Suns and the NBA Finals, predicts Chris Paul and his future with the team

It has been a week since the 2020-21 NBA season concluded. The Milwaukee Bucks beat the Phoenix Suns 4-2 in the NBA Finals to wrap things up. Giannis Antetokounmpo was crowned the Finals MVP, and Milwaukee had its first NBA Championship in 50 years. However, ever since the season concluded, there has been one question that has lingered around the Suns camp.

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After not making it to the playoffs for a good part of the decade, getting back to the NBA Finals was a big win for Phoenix. Whether they would be able to replicate their success or not depends on one important decision. Is Chris Paul sticking around in Phoenix for the upcoming season? Will Chris Paul take his player option and continue in Phoenix, or decline it and test free agency?

Charles Barkley weighs in on Chris Paul and his impending decision

Charles Barkley, as we all know, is one of the best players in the Suns’ history. He was the key force behind the Suns making it to the ’93 Finals. He has now been an analyst on TNT for over 20 years. With all the experience he has garnered, Barkley weighed in on the pending decision Chris Paul has to make.

In his interview with USA Today, Barkley was asked, “Where do you think the Suns go from here after getting to the Finals?”

Answering the same, Chuck said,

“The elephant in the room is the Chris Paul situation. He has a ($44 million) option. I’m not sure I’ve ever been drunk enough to turn down $45 million. Until we answer that question, we have to wait and see where the Suns go. If he doesn’t take that money, he can go to the Lakers, Clippers or people are talking about the Knicks. But I think you got to wait and see on what he decides before I can give you an honest answer.”

An honest Charles Barkley Q&A on being “concerned” about Team USA’s struggles, the Suns’ Finals run, Chris Paul’s legacy, the rings debate, the 93’s Finals team, winning MVP over Michael Jordan & more https://t.co/jvq8oEO80N

— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) July 27, 2021

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Chuck also talked about Giannis and how the Bucks elevated their game as a team to win the title.

While what Charles says makes sense, in the end, it would be Chris Paul’s decision. By the time the 2021-22 season concludes, he would be 37. Paul has to decide whether he wants to end his career with a championship. If yes, he needs to decide whether he thinks the Suns team is good enough for the same, or not. Whatever the case may be, we may get to know his decision soon enough.