The future of veteran point-guard Chris Paul is well and truly on the agenda in league circles, with reports earlier in the week stating that the Phoenix Suns were ready to move on from the 38-year-old.
Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes reported that the Suns could sensationally waive the 12-time All-Star, paving the way for a team like the Golden State Warriors to sign him to a lower contract in free agency.
A Chris Paul move to the Golden State Warriors could unlock a major overhaul for a franchise to leap back into championship contention next season.
Speaking on NBA Countdown before Game 4 of the NBA Finals, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski identified the Warriors as one of the potential suitors for Paul should he become available on the free agent market.
"“If Chris Paul is out there as a free agent this summer, look at the two teams in L.A.—the Clippers and Lakers—the Knicks in New York, or the Golden State Warriors — Those would all be potential destinations for Chris Paul, who would then sign a deal at a much lower number than the $30 million he’s guaranteed in Phoenix if he stays there past that June 28 deadline.”"
If Chris Paul is waived by the Suns, the Golden State Warriors would be interested in signing him. (via Woj) pic.twitter.com/P9Ldo5HfMq
— Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) June 10, 2023
If the Warriors were to get their hands on Paul, it could well unlock a major shift away from their much discussed ‘two-timeline’ approach. It would free the franchise up to look more aggressively at deals for Jordan Poole, ones that may bring back a high-level forward or center in return.
Potential options could include O.G. Anunoby or Karl-Anthony Towns, though players of that calibre would also require a combination (or all of) Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody and an array of Golden State’s future draft capital.
Signing the 38-year-old Paul would be an indication of going ‘all in’ on their core of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, assuming they re-sign the latter in free agency. Perhaps they might then deal their younger talent for a mid-to-late twenties star, pairing them with the likes of Andrew Wiggins and Kevon Looney as players still well and truly in their prime years.
Sure, Paul at his age shouldn’t be the deciding factor on whether you go ‘all-in’ or continue on a ‘two-timeline’ approach. However, the Warriors need a backup point-guard replacement should they move on from Poole, and no better short-term solution the franchise will find than the future Hall-of-Famer.