Chris Paul contract already affecting Suns? (Ayton not signed)

[Celtics2021]

The Suns declined the third-year option on Jalen Smith, who was the #10 pick under 12 months ago.  He's been underwhelming, but this move feels financial to cut bait on such a high pick after one Covid-condensed season (that said, I felt at the time that Smith was an overdraft).

[Moranis]

The Suns declined the third-year option on Jalen Smith, who was the #10 pick under 12 months ago.  He's been underwhelming, but this move feels financial to cut bait on such a high pick after one Covid-condensed season (that said, I felt at the time that Smith was an overdraft).

4.7 million does seem like a lot of money for him though.  That said, I suspect you are right that this is a cost cutting move.

[gouki88]

The Suns declined the third-year option on Jalen Smith, who was the #10 pick under 12 months ago.  He's been underwhelming, but this move feels financial to cut bait on such a high pick after one Covid-condensed season (that said, I felt at the time that Smith was an overdraft).

I was very surprised they took him at 10 in that draft. I would have taken Haliburton without question

[#1P4P]

Bigs typically take several years to develop into serviceable players. Signing CP3 and getting to the NBA Finals pushed up their timeline. Paul, Booker, Bridges, and Ayton alone put them over the salary cap and into the tax if Ayton signs for or close to the max.

No need to lock themselves into $4.7M and even more the year after waiting on Smith to become a contributor.