Suns star Chris Paul declines $44 million player option for 2021-22 season

Phoenix Suns star Chris Paul has formally declined his $44 million player option for the 2021-22 season, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

However, the two sides are motivated to negotiate a new deal once talks can begin on Monday night. 

Paul is expected to remain with the Suns this summer on a three-year, $90 million deal, according to Bleacher Report's Jake Fischer, who adds that the veteran point guard "appears all but destined to return to Phoenix."

After the Suns fell in the NBA Finals to the Milwaukee Bucks, Paul made it known that he had interest in remaining in Phoenix next season and beyond.

However, there had still been reports this offseason that the 11-time All-Star was interested in joining the Los Angeles Lakers to team up with LeBron James, but that is no longer a possibility because the 2020 champions acquired Russell Westbrook from the Washington Wizards last week. 

Paul helped lead the Suns to the NBA Finals last season in his first year with the franchise. The 36-year-old averaged 16.4 points, 4.5 rebounds and 8.9 assists per game during the regular season while shooting 49.9% from the field and 39.5% from three-point range. 

The former fourth-overall pick played even better in the playoffs, averaging 19.2 points, 3.5 rebounds and 8.6 assists per game while shooting 49.7% from the field and 44.6% from deep.

With Paul expected to remain in Phoenix, the Suns can set their sights on upgrading in other areas this summer.