Golden State Warriors’ big offseason move still under heavy scrutiny

Fans are slowly acclimatizing to Chris Paul’s presence at the Golden State Warriors, with the 38-year-old showing some positives signs in his first two preseason games with the franchise.

Paul had six points, four rebounds and five assists across 13 minutes in the Warriors opening game against the Lakers, before posting six points, one rebound and four assists in 19 minutes against the same opposition last Friday. It’s been far from a faultless start from the 12-time All-Star though, with Paul recording four fouls and five turnovers in the second matchup.

There’s still a contingent of analysts who don’t believe the Golden State Warriors move for Chris Paul will pay off this season.

Some are still far from convinced that the Paul acquisition will prove effective for Golden State, having traded for the ‘point-god’ back on draft day in June. Those skeptics include Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz who believes the trade will ultimately backfire for the Warriors.

In an article questioning ‘Which High-Profile Moves from 2023 NBA Offseason Will Backfire’, Swartz outlined that his concerns are just as much about Paul’s ego than his on-court production.

"“There’s a real chance we see some headbutting (hopefully not literally, but who knows) between Green and Paul at times, two huge personalities who could clash if the Warriors stumble for stretches,” Swartz wrote."

Of the five transactions analyzed — Bradley Beal to the Suns, Damian Lillard to the Bucks, Kristaps Porzingis to the Celtics, Fred Van Vleet and Dillon Brooks to the Rockets, and Paul to the Warriors — only two were expected to backfire.

One of those was Golden State’s move, with Swartz adding that it “only works if Paul accepts a smaller role off the bench.” The 18-year NBA veteran has a non-guaranteed deal for 2024-25, potentially allowing the Warriors to utilize the expiring contract in a trade according to Swartz.

The Beal move to Phoenix is also expected to backfire, that despite the fact the Suns and Warriors are considered by many to be legitimate contenders to knock off the NBA champion Denver Nuggets in the West this season.