35-year-old Chris Paul has been submerged in trade rumors ever since the 2019-20 campaign ended. One recent rumor, suggested by NBA Analysis Network, involves the veteran guard being sent to the Clippers for a package including Patrick Beverly, Lou Williams, and Rodney McGruder.
“Including all of these pieces is one of the only ways the Clippers would be able to fit Paul’s massive salary alongside that of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Patrick Beverly, Lou Williams, and Rodney McGruder make up the majority of the deal. But the Clippers would also need one of two things to occur: Los Angeles would need to either part with Ivica Zubac in the trade, or if JaMychal Green opts-in to his player option, he could be included in the deal. In this hypothetical, if Green opts-in, he’s traded instead of Zubac.”
For the Thunder, besides getting Paul’s massive contract off the books, they get to welcome some talented players to the roster in Bev, Lou, and McGruder/Zubac that could be valuable in a rebuild. With several young pieces and many draft picks over the next couple of years, they’ve compiled a pretty large pile of assets.
In Los Angeles the combination of George, Kawhi, and Paul, the Clippers would form a powerful superteam that could dominate both ends of the basketball floor. Paul would allow both stars to play 0ff the ball and should make it easier for them to find open looks.
Coming off an underwhelming campaign, it’s clear that the Clips need a consistent force that will help the team close games.
Over Paul’s 15 seasons, his team been in the top-10 in clutch net rating 10 times. In his latest season with the Thunder, CP3 averaged 17.6 points, 6.7 assists, and 5 rebounds per game on 48% shooting.
