According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs are potential suitors for Chris Paul if the veteran guard doesn’t remain with the Golden State Warriors.
Paul has a non-guaranteed contract with the Warriors for next season.
“The Spurs and the Lakers keep coming up as potential suitors for the Warriors’ Chris Paul if Paul becomes a free agent this offseason,” Stein wrote. “Paul’s longstanding friendship with LeBron James and his well-known desire to stay as close to his L.A.-based family as possible certainly add credence to the notion of the Lakers’ signing him.
“Paul’s $30 million salary for next season becomes fully guaranteed on June 28 if Golden State does not waive him … or if the Warriors trade him to a team that decides to keep him. The Warriors, league sources say, are currently evaluating those options.
“If the team that has Paul on its roster on June 28 wants to be completely free of the salary obligation, Paul will be let go and proceed to the open market with a chance to choose his next destination. The accomplished point guard just turned 39 on May 6.
“Another option, I’m told, that has not yet been ruled out is Golden State and Paul agreeing to move that guarantee date into July — although it can’t be done unilaterally. The Warriors would need Paul’s consent for such an alteration, which would expand the window to explore potential trades.”
Paul appeared in 58 games for the Warriors this season. The NBA great averaged 9.2 points, 3.9 rebounds and 6.8 assists while shooting 44.1% from the field, 37.1% from beyond the arc and 82.7% from the free-throw line.
All $30 million of Paul’s contract for next season is non-guaranteed.
Paul is best friends with LeBron and has a close relationship with Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich.
One of the best point guards in NBA history, Paul has career averages of 17.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 9.4 assists. He’s still looking to win his first championship.
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