Chris Paul opens up about his decision to not sign an extension with Los Angeles Clippers: NBA Update
Chris Paul recently chose not to sign an extension with the Los Angeles Clippers which would have seen him get a total of $60 million for the next three years and instead opted to re-evaluate his worth next summer.
Now, following his selection in team USA`s roster for the Olympics, Paul took some time to speak to ESPN representatives and reflected on his decision which basically came because at the end of next season, he has the chance of
making a five-year deal worth $108 million.
"I'll wait until next summer to decide everything," Paul said, "It's funny, ESPN doesn't put at the bottom of the ticker, like why you don't do the three-year. But I opted in for this year or I would've had the opportunity to do
that again this summer."
Before Paul came over to LA after being traded by the New Orleans Hornets in a widely criticized move, he had his contract amended giving him the option of deciding an extension.
There has been speculation that Paul`s decision to not sign an extension comes after being directly influenced by Neil Olshey exit from the organization, a person he had developed a relationship with before even arriving in Hollywood.
However Paul does not feel it to be the case and feels and believes that he still has a future with the Clippers. He went on to contemplate on the possibility of playing alongside Chauncey Billups who was injured for most part
of last season and new arrival Jamal Crawford.
The tandem of Billups and Paul was a beauty to watch last season, but the sight was limited midway through last season when Billups suffered a career threatening ankle injury. The veteran one guard is however for now and the Clippers
have re-signed him according to reports.
Nevertheless, even with Billups present, there is no assurance of the fact that Paul will decide to sign an extension next year.
At the moment, he has a more important task at hand. Paul along with team mate Blake Griffin are among the final 12 selectees for team USA to take part in the London Olympics.
He welcomed the selection of Griffin, terming it as a good omen in the young power forward’s development as a player;
"Being around these guys, you learn so much. Guys leave from this experience and go back to their teams with a ton of confidence."
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