Chris Paul is due $30.8 million next season with the Phoenix Suns, but his contract is only guaranteed for $15.8 million. If the Suns were to release Paul, they could stretch the $15.8 million to create some level of cap flexibility.
But the Suns could also keep Paul at a lower number in order to keep him while allowing the roster to be added upon.
"I think the Suns have a little bit more than meets the eye, depending on how they handle the Chris Paul situation," said Brian Windhorst on his podcast on Sunday.
"What do you mean by that? Like if they trade Chris Paul and what they get for him?" replied Zach Lowe.
"There are other things to do besides trading Chris Paul," answered Windhorst.
"Stretch Chris Paul?" asked Lowe.
"There are other things that can be done," said Windhorst.
"I might be dumb, but I think Chris Paul is still good," added Lowe.
"I think Chris Paul will be a Sun next year, but what if he's a Sun and they don't have to pay him $30 million," said Windhorst.
"I see," said Lowe.
Paul re-signed with the Suns during the 2021 offseason on a four-year, $120 million contract.