James, you’re the guy who’s making these calls and taking a fair amount of heat right now, so tell me: What led to the decision to not max out Deandre and let this go to restricted free agency next summer? What are people missing here about what you guys decided to do? James Jones: I mean, obviously, we’re disappointed that we couldn’t reach an extension agreement this offseason. Deandre is important for us. He means a lot to us and was vital in what we did and what we’ve done this past season. A lot of what we’ve done since the playoffs — bringing back CP (Chris Paul on a four-year, $120 million deal that includes $75 million in guaranteed money), Mikal (Bridges on a four-year, $90 million deal), Cam Payne (on a three-year, $19 million deal), Landry (Shamet on a four-year, $43 million deal that sources say includes $20 million in guaranteed money in the first two seasons, a non-guaranteed third season and a team option in the fourth season), JaVale (McGee on a one-year, $5 million deal), adding those guys — was intended to make this group even stronger. All of those moves were to help (Ayton) grow, help the team grow, because we want a championship.
Chris Paul Rumors
All NBA Players
Position: G
Born: 05/06/85
Height: 6-1 / 1.85
Weight:175 lbs. / 79.4 kg.
Salary: $30,800,000
Born: 05/06/85
Height: 6-1 / 1.85
Weight:175 lbs. / 79.4 kg.
Salary: $30,800,000
Rylan Stiles: Mark Daigneault says Favors is “really professional, high character guy.” Says the veterans can get “energized” by the youthful energy on the team. Says he has seen it with Horford, Paul, Dennis, Gallo, etc.
Duane Rankin: I’ve been hearing Chris Paul isn’t playing today, Then the starting lineup comes out. Cameron Payne starting at point guard. Chris Paul isn’t listed as out with an injury. #Suns
The response from the NBA community has been both vocal and positive, Smith said. After Tuesday’s final round, Smith said he was expecting a call any minute from Chris Paul. A group that includes Paul, LeBron James and several other NBA players hope to make it out to see Smith play in a collegiate event, he said. “In our group text, they were all talking about coming to an event, which would be amazing,” Smith said. “I got a lot of great feedback. Chris Paul was telling me the guys were talking about it in the locker room and guys were really looking forward to it, looking for my scores. So, I got to take care of business so that when I see them, it won’t be too much backlash.”
Smith said he’s determined to improve because he knows others are paying attention. He communicated with Suns guard Chris Paul after Monday’s two rounds and heard from ex-NBA teammates as part of a group text. “I got a lot of great feedback,” Smith said. “Chris Paul was telling me guys were talking about it in the locker room. Guys are really looking for my scores, so I got to take care of business so when I see them it ain’t going to be too much backlash.”
