Winning a championship is the most important thing an NBA player, or any athlete, can accomplish during a career.
Chris Paul, 32, just completed his 12th season in the NBA, and not only has he yet to win a ring, but he hasn't even made a conference finals appearance.
But that could change in the near future.
According to ESPN's Marc Stein, Paul will seriously consider signing with the San Antonio Spurs when free agency begins on July 1. He has spent the past six seasons with the LA Clippers after playing in New Orleans for the first six years of his career.
It might be time for the veteran point guard to experience something new. The Clippers will do everything they can to retain their floor general, but the ball will ultimately be in Paul's court.
Signing the nine-time All-Star would be complicated for the Spurs, who would have to unload a few mainstay-type players and risk losing a considerable amount of depth. But would it be worth it? Would it give them a better chance to compete with the "juggernaut" (to use LeBron James' term) that is the Golden State Warriors?
Paul would have to leave a large amount of money on the table if he decides to sign with coach Gregg Popovich's crew, as the Clippers can offer him a five-year max deal estimated around $205 million. The Spurs, on the other hand, could offer a max of roughly $152 million over four years.
But Paul's presence and leadership could give the Spurs the necessary tools to compete for a championship over the next few years. So it leaves both sides with an interesting decision to make once free agency arrives this summer.
-- Josiah Turner
