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Why Paul signed short extension

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The possibility of earning $80 million for five seasons didn't catch Chris Paul's attention. The Hornets' All-Star point guard was more interested in signing a shorter-term extension that provided assurances that the team's core group -- center Tyson Chandler and forwards David West and Peja Stojakovic -- would remain together for the next three seasons. Paul signed a three-year extension Wednesday, which includes a player option for a fourth year, that pushes the estimated value of the contract to $68 million. "I'm trying to make sure those guys are here with me," Paul said Wednesday.

New Orleans Times-Picayune

Chris Paul, Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images Chris Paul, Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images
July 10, 2008  07:20 AM ET

I got to see Paul's brain activity one day. I'm pretty sure it will spell: "Win, win, win"....

July 10, 2008  07:27 AM ET

Maybe he should talk to Arenas about having money to sign players to help the team win a title, not who can collect the most millions. Guess he actually attended some of those College classes.

July 10, 2008  08:12 AM ET

Smart move. In the long run he will benefit more. A guy that is true to his word.

July 10, 2008  08:53 AM ET

"A guy that is true to his word."

I hope that is true, but wouldn't give him that much credit-
It's pure business
he knows that if the team goes back to stinking- he has an out
He knows that on the open market his value will skyrocket-
he's so young that he has at least 2 more BIG contracts ahead of him

July 10, 2008  09:10 AM ET

Smart move CP3. Paul' value will continue to skyrocket as he firmly establishes that he is the best PG in the NBA. Plus, he doesn't want to burn himself out by carrying that team if they begin to struggle. I love the core group of the Hornets. They are one of the only teams in the league that have any class.

July 10, 2008  09:12 AM ET

Lets do the math and see why paul signed the shorter extension:

Deal he could have signed- 80 mil over 5 years = 16 mil per year.
Deal he did sign - 68 mil over 4 years = 17 mil per year.

If he plays out the fourth year which is a player option then we will make an extra 4 million over 4 years with the shorter extension and then can sign another extension later. Probably a great move 4 both sides. Go Raptors!!!

July 10, 2008  09:28 AM ET

hope this works out for him.

July 10, 2008  10:00 AM ET

my ****-a

July 10, 2008  10:01 AM ET

Chandler, West and Stojakovic aren't going to get you past the Laker (or the Celtics for that matter).

July 10, 2008  10:02 AM ET

hey Artest: that's how you negotiate a contract...looking at all the pros and cons...you should get Paul's agent number...just in case...

July 10, 2008  10:04 AM ET

Why does this article try to make him look like he's doing this because he's a good guy? All he's doing is taking more money

July 10, 2008  10:08 AM ET

Chandler, West and Stojakovic aren't going to get you past the Laker (or the Celtics for that matter).

I Like Turtles | 07/10/08, 10:01 AM
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The Lakers chance to win the championship was this year. If the re-sign Turiaf, they will miss his defense.
Back to this comment, not only does it keep these guys around, it also gives them a chance to sign a player that could get them over the hump in the next few years.

July 10, 2008  10:35 AM ET

A smart NBA player? W T F?

July 10, 2008  10:36 AM ET

Smart!! Very smart. Paul is trying to establish this team as a force for the future, not just a one and done. Keeping the core together is a step in the right direction. If the Hornets are able to add a piece here and there, this team will be a force to be reckoned with for awhile.

July 10, 2008  10:40 AM ET

Very smart move on his part. If he sees the team going south he can bail out in 3 rather than be stuck for 5.

July 10, 2008  10:56 AM ET

I don't know who's idea this was but it was a definite win-win. Paul makes a few extra dollars now. He leaves money free for the other guys. He doesn't lock himself up for 5 years (when 3 or 4 will do). He has an option year built-in. It looks good in the press and tey don't get something done no one can blame CP3.

Good business. Good for the team. Good for the individual.

Similar to the Tim Duncan move last time around.

July 10, 2008  11:14 AM ET

didnt lebron and some other just do the same thing last year and were bashed for not comitting long term? the press is as mind-changing as my girlfriend....

July 10, 2008  11:32 AM ET

Yeah, he's not fooling me. His team will be washed up in three years, so he wants an out in case the team starts to decline. Nice try CP!!!

July 10, 2008  11:46 AM ET

all u critics, he's doing a good thing for his franchise by trying to keep everyone together

 
July 10, 2008  12:09 PM ET

True team player!

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