Chris Paul has a team option worth $30M on his contract for next season. The Golden State Warriors could decide to decline that option. Paul will then become an unrestricted free agent heading into the offseason. The veteran guard could also re-sign with the Warriors on a more team-friendly deal.
However, Golden State won’t be the only team interested in the veteran guard’s services. According to Marc Stein, who was writing in his SteinLine newsletter, the San Antonio Spurs could potentially look to acquire Paul for the 2024-25 season.
“A potential team to watch, should Paul and the Warriors part ways, is San Antonio,” Stein reported. “Among the early personnel rumbles in circulation: The Spurs could emerge as a Paul suitor if they decide to pursue some veteran know-how on a short-term contract basis to furnish presumptive Rookie of the Year winner Victor Wembanyama with more seasoned help in Year 2.”
Paul is one of the best playmaking guards in the NBA. In his prime, he was also one of the best perimeter defenders in league history. His experience would be invaluable to Victor Wembanyama’s development. Playing alongside Paul would help expedite the 7-foot-4 phenom’s development, especially in terms of understanding angles and passing lanes in screening actions.
The Spurs are a rebuilding roster. Adding veterans to help develop young talent is part of that process. The more experience and talent you can put around a budding star like Wembanyama, the better. The bigger question is whether Paul would want to join San Antonio. A championship has evaded his grasp throughout his career. With his time in the league drawing to a close, Paul could potentially favor a smaller role on a contending team.
As the offseason draws closer, San Antonio will find itself being linked with a slew of talent. Paul will be among the best fits for what Gregg Popovich’s team is trying to accomplish in the short term. Unfortunately, time isn’t on Paul’s side, so he might not head to Texas unless his options around the league are limited.
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