Warriors considering notable move with Chris Paul

October 7, 2023; San Francisco, California, United States; Golden State Warriors guard Chris Paul (3) reacts after a foul was called in favor of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports

Chris Paul’s first season with the Golden State Warriors didn’t go as planned, but they may still be able to get some value out of it.

Anthony Slater of The Athletic reports this week that the Warriors are considering trading Paul. Slater notes that the team is actively looking for ways to improve the roster, including potentially using Paul’s $30 million non-guaranteed contract for next season as a flexible bargaining chip. The Warriors also discussed with Paul the possibility of pushing his contract deadline from June 28 (the date his deal would become fully guaranteed) to July if necessary, Slater adds.

As it stands, Paul, 39, a 12-time All-Star, doesn’t have a guaranteed cent of that $30 million. This would indeed make him an interesting trade candidate, as an opposing team could either get rid of Paul after acquiring him, or keep him as a veteran (either at his $30 million figure or at a reduced rate in a waiver and re-signing scenario). ).

Paul averaged 9.2 points and 6.8 assists per game for the Warriors last season in what was primarily a bench role. His days as a starter in the league are likely over. But Paul already has several potential suitors in the West alone, and his (temporarily) favorable contractual situation could help grease the wheels of a possible trade.