After being exiled from the Rockets last summer, Chris Paul proved his worth with the Thunder this season, averaging 17.7 points, 6.8 assists, and 4.9 rebounds per game on 48.9% shooting while leading the team to the fifth seed in the West.
But even for all he’s done in OKC this season, his age and the terms of his contract (a whopping $85 million over the next two seasons) make for a pretty unfortunate mix and given the right offer, the Thunder may be inclined to let him go.
In Miami, the Heat may be among the most interested parties, according to Danny Cunningham of Complex.
“As far as destinations, Miami is going to be a team that keeps popping up every time a star player comes available. There were rumors about the Heat being a potential landing spot for Paul once he was dealt to OKC last summer, and it would make sense for them to pop up again. The only thing that complicates things in that situation is the desire the Heat have to keep a maximum salary slot open next offseason, when Giannis Antetokounmpo and a group of others can become free agents.”
With Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, the Heat have a core that can compete with the best of them. With Paul, a 14-year veteran and expert playmaker, they increase their offensive and defensive potential.
Of course, their decision this offseason will depend on what transpires in the next few weeks and months to come. How far they get in the 2020 playoffs will determine who they target later.
Either way, the 10x All-Star and 8x All-NBA player seems like a decent enough option.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wny9zh7MGN0
