The Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers have explored the idea of acquiring Chris Paul this summer, as the 39-year-old point guard could hit free agency after spending last season with the Golden State Warriors, according to Marc Stein.
“Chris Paul, if he actually makes it to free agency, would draw interest from the Clippers as well as the Lakers…”
Stein added that the interest from the Lakers isn’t concrete, with the franchise undecided on Paul despite his well-known relationship with LeBron James.
“But I’m told interest in bringing him to the Lakers might not be unanimous within the organization despite Paul’s well-chronicled friendship with LeBron James.”
Paul could be on a $30 million contract this season provided the Warriors guarantee his contract before June 28. If the Warriors pass on Paul’s contract, he’ll be a free agent and could realistically sign with any team he wants. The 2022 NBA Champions do not have an incentive to keep Paul around on such a pricey contract, so it’s more than likely he will hit the market.
Paul averaged 9.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 6.8 assists last season, primarily playing in a bench role for the Warriors who failed to make the Playoffs. The 2023-24 season was the first year Paul missed the Playoffs since 2010 and for only the fourth time in his 19-year NBA career.
It’s Unclear What Chris Paul Can Provide At This Age
Given how Paul played last season, it’s hard to justify him as the starting point guard on any contending team at this point. The Lakers have two guards who should both remain ahead of Paul in the rotation with D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves. If Russell leaves this offseason, Paul could be an option to fill minutes at point guard, but not as a starter.
The Clippers already have a robust guard rotation, but there are not enough minutes for all their players. James Harden is the team’s starter while Russell Westbrook comes off the bench for the franchise. Players like Bones Hyland are barely getting rotational minutes, which would be even harder if Paul was also on the roster. Harden’s recent play style as a high-volume passer instead of a scorer makes signing Paul even more redundant.
Paul is a shadow of the defender he used to be in his prime, as the nine-time All-Defense selection is a liability on that end at this point in his career. Playing alongside veterans on both franchises could create a happy environment for Paul to thrive, but he spent a season with Golden State and didn’t necessarily excel in the presence of Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.
The Warriors will move to retain Paul, but not at a $30 million price point. They need his composed playmaking off the bench due to the lack of playmakers on their roster, so if Paul wants to continue in the NBA, it might be best to stick with the franchise he played on last season.
The Warriors could also guarantee Paul’s contract and then trade him away for a large-salary player, similar to what the Suns did last season when they shipped Paul to the Wizards. He’d then be on an expiring $30 million contract for next season.
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