2018 NBA free agency: Early predictions for where top 15 players will sign

6. Chris Paul, PG, Houston Rockets (Unrestricted)

Where he will sign: Houston Rockets

I’m sorry folks, but I don’t see any scenario unfolding in which Chris Paul leaves the Rockets. This club is firing on all cylinders with the dynamic duo of Paul and James Harden running things. Is there any real reason Houston would break up the party now?

Seriously, I can’t think of one. Even if the Rockets tried to make a run at James this offseason, they’d find a way to bring Paul back as well. That would include one or both taking a huge paycut in order to make the financials work, but I’m sure the Banana Boat buddies would figure something out.

Again, I’m sitting here trying to imagine a scenario in which CP3 departs. Maybe the Rockets fall apart during the playoffs, chemistry goes down the drain, and he decides to look elsewhere for his first ring? The San Antonio Spurs make a pitch he simply can’t ignore? I’m not buying either of those hypotheticals.

Let’s get real. Paul will be back in Houston for the 2018-19 NBA season. It may not be at the price he’d like to get paid, especially after passing on a big payday to facilitate the trade that originally landed him with the Rockets.

In the end, though, CP3 and Harden will still be doing their thing together next season.