Heavy Favorites Emerge for NBA Free Agent Chris Paul

Late last week, Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chris Paul opted out of his player option and is officially an unrestricted free agent.

And according to Rotowire, that means a nine-figure payday is in store.

"His former team could offer him the heftiest contract, which could be worth upwards of $205 million on a five-year deal, but any other team could only offer him a maximum of $152 million over four years," Rotowire said.

Free agency opens July 1 and several teams have already been linked to the 12-year veteran.

Paul averaged a career-low 31.5 minutes per game last season, and his 18.1 points per game were the worst since the 2010-11 season.

However, Paul led the Clippers with 25.3 points per game during the post-season and averaged 9.2 assists during the regular season, almost double his next closest teammate.

According to BookMaker.eu, two heavy favorites have emerged to land Paul. The San Antonio Spurs are the odds-on favorite at +150, or 3/2, while his former team is close behind at +250, or 5/2.

According to CBS Sports, the Spurs have "strong interest" in Paul, who could fill the void at point guard left by the injury to Tony Parker.

The Clippers could offer him over $200 million, incentive enough to head back to LA.

Also in play are the Eastern Conference champion Cleveland Cavaliers (5/1), Houston Rockets (15/2), LA Lakers (13/1), and Denver Nuggets (35/2). Any other team, or the field, is 5/1.

From BookMaker.eu: Chris Paul team on October 20, 2017:

• San Antonio Spurs +150
• Los Angeles Clippers +250
• Cleveland Cavaliers +500
• Houston Rockets +750
• Los Angeles Lakers +1300
• Denver Nuggets +1750
• Field +500