After failing to advance past Nikola Jokic’s Denver Nuggets, the Phoenix Suns witnessed the firing of head coach Monty Williams. Only days after Frank Vogel was announced as the new head coach, news broke out that Chris Paul is set to be waived by the Desert franchise. While several analysts have differing opinions on the Suns’ verdict, FS1 host Skip Bayless doesn’t believe that the decision is a good one.
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BREAKING: Phoenix Suns have notified star Chris Paul that he will be waived, making the future Hall of Famer one of the top free agents this offseason, league sources tell @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) June 7, 2023
Had PHX not waived their point guard prior to June 28, CP3 would be owed a guaranteed $30.8 million. However, with the decision being finalized well in advance, the “Point God” is only due to earn $15.8 million for the upcoming 2023-2024 season.
Nevertheless, Bayless took to social media to express his dissatisfaction with the news.
Skip Bayless slams Phoenix’s decision to waive Chris Paul
Bayless has been quite a supporter of Paul in the Suns jersey. Even when the undersized guard sustained an injury during the Nuggets-Suns series, the UNDISPUTED analyst seemed to be heartbroken.
In a similar note, the 71-year-old conveyed his disappointment after the Arizona side decided to buy out CP3. Taking things to Twitter, as he often likes to do, Bayless warned the franchise about the “mistake” they are about to make by cutting off CP3.
The Suns will make a big mistake if they cut CP3, who was very good with KD and Book.
The Suns will make a big mistake if they cut CP3, who was very good with KD and Book.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) June 8, 2023
Ever since Kevin Durant joined the Suns, Bayless has been a huge advocate of the move, displaying his faith in the trio of KD, CP3, and Devin Booker. Despite their playoff failure, the veteran NBA talking head still believes that the Phoenix Suns could be a title-contending powerhouse with the three All-Stars on the roster.
CP3 doesn’t plan on retiring after being waived
Having suffered a groin strain during the postseason, several rumors regarding the 38-year-old’s retirement left social media in a frenzy. However, TNT’s Chris Haynes revealed that Paul isn’t retiring just yet. Disclosing the 12-time All-Star’s aspiration of winning a title, Haynes tweeted out:
Chris Paul plans to play for several more years and is eager to help a team contend for a championship, sources say.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) June 7, 2023
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Paul wants to run it back with KD and D-Book to help lead the Suns to a title. With the Los Angeles Lakers displaying interest in adding Kyrie Irving to their lineup, it is pretty clear that they are in search of a point guard. Now that Paul has been waived, he will certainly be a possible free agency option for the LA side.
Apart from the possible linkage with LeBron James and Co., teams like the Boston Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers are also expected to pursue the 18-year league veteran.
