It’s looking less and less likely that futue Hall of Fame point guard Chris Paul will play a second season with the Golden State Warriors.
Paul’s $30 million option for next season is non-guaranteed. There is no way Golden State is going to pick it up due to the team’s salary cap situation.
However, recent reports suggest that Paul is open to pushing back the deadline option on his contract from June 28 to help facilitate a trade.
This makes sense for both sides. Paul could end up earning near that $30 million salary if he were traded. Meanwhile, the Warriors would net some much-needed assets for the 12-time All-Star.
While not the player he used to be, the 39-year-old Paul can still be a solid contributor. He averaged 9.2 points, 3.9 rebounds and 6.8 assists while shooting 37% from three-point range last season.
Any team acquiring Paul ahead of the aforementioned June 28 deadline (or if its pushed back) could ultimately decline said option and re-sign Paul to a smaller deal. This could help as it relates to assets coming back to Golden State.
Here, we look at THREE ideal Chris Paul trade scenarios from the Warriors.
Future Hall of Famer lands with the Los Angeles Lakers
We’ve read rumors that the Lakers are interested in signing Paul should he hit NBA free agency. It makes perfect sense. He’s friends with LeBron James and the Lakers will likely have a need at point guard with D’Angelo Russell set to move on this summer.
- Lakers get: Chris Paul
- Warriors get: Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, 2nd-round pick
A move of this ilk would provide King James and the Lakers a veteran presence they need at point guard. Meanwhile, Golden State adds depth in both the front court and the back court while acquiring a future second-round pick.
Chicago Bulls get off Zach LaVine contract with Chris Paul trade
After an injury-plagued 2023-24 season, LaVine’s trade value has taken a major hit. Chicago will have to sell him off for pennies on the dollar. It’s also being noted that he will be moved this offseason. It makes sense from the Bulls’ perspective given where they are at as a team.
- Bulls get: Chris Paul, Kevon Looney, Moses Moody
- Warriors get: Zach LaVine, future 1st-round pick
In this scenario, Golden State banks on LaVine returning to pre-injury form. From 2019-23 with the Bulls, the wing averaged 25.5 points, 4.2 rebounds and 4.7 assists on 48% shooting. Chicago nets two expiring contracts and a young former first-round selection. For moving off LaVine’s contract, it also gives up a future first-round pick (protected from Portland).
Blockbuster Jimmy Butler trade to the Golden State Warriors
It’s not a foregone conclusion that Butler is going to remain with the Miami Heat. Front office head Pat Riley’s comments after their first-round exit in the NBA Playoffs adds another layer to this. Meanwhile, Golden State is one of the teams that have been linked to Butler in trade scenarios. It would help get the most out of the twilight of Stephen Curry’s career.
- Heat get: Chris Paul, Andrew Wiggins, Kevon Looney, 1st-round pick
- Warriors get: Jimmy Butler
From Miami’s perspective, this trade would help the team tread water. It could also simply flip both Paul and Wiggins for future assets and start anew with a rebuild. Golden State’s lightly protected future first-round pick would make this a boon for Riley and Co.
