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It Sure Doesn’t Look Like There’s ‘Tension’ Between Chris Paul & Houston

Chris Paul, NBA, Houston Rockets, Paul
May 24, 2018; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul (3) brings the ball up the court during the second quarter in game five of the Western conference finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Golden State Warriors at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Chris Paul is a 33-year-old point guard — typically, a player of that age at that position doesn’t have much value on the market. Paul, however, was a vital piece for the Rockets this season, and all signs are that he will play a big role in Houston’s quest to take down Golden State.

Nonetheless, Paul’s future is uncertain. He is a free agent and is expected to pursue a max contract. With Houston juggling Paul’s contract with those of Trevor Ariza and Clint Capela, reports indicate there is now “tension” between the veteran point guard and the West’s No. 1 seed.

If there is “tension,” however, it sure wasn’t apparent at the NBA Awards Monday. ESPN’s Rachel Nichols posted a video of Paul with Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey and CEO Tad Brown, and they poked fun at the report.

“So these are the people you hate?” Nichols asked.

They laughed.

“I can’t stand them, man,” Paul joked. “Ain’t we beefing? I can’t stand y’all. Get away from me.”

Though Houston is likely planning to hold onto Capela, it would be a surprise if the Rockets couldn’t work out a deal with Paul after such a successful first season together.

NBA Awards Recap

Paul’s teammate, James Harden, claimed MVP after twice finishing the runner-up for the award. Sixers swingman Ben Simmons, who especially emerged late in the season, claimed Rookie of the Year.

Dwane Casey beat out Quin Snyder and Brad Stevens for Coach of the Year and delivered a heartfelt speech. Additionally, Rudy Gobert claimed Defensive Player of the Year, Victor Oladipo won Most Improved Player, and Lou Williams won Sixth Man of the Year.

Written by Aaron Mansfield

Aaron Mansfield is a freelance sports writer. His work has appeared in Complex, USA Today and the New York Times. Mansfield is a PhD candidate at UMass Amherst.

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