Multiple sources around the league indicate that there is a strong possibility that the Golden State Warriors decline veteran point guard Chris Paul’s contract option for 2024-25. If that happens, Paul is expected to be pursued by the LA Clippers and the Los Angeles Lakers in the offseason, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.
Paul finished the 2023-24, averaging a career-low 9.2 points to go with 3.9 rebounds and 6.8 assists per game as a bench player for the Warriors. Considering that his player option for the upcoming season is $30 million, it is hard to believe that Golden State will be willing to keep him under contract unless they have a trade of sorts lined up.
The Clippers feel like they could use depth at the point guard position with uncertainty surrounding the futures of James Harden and Russell Westbrook with the franchise. Additionally, Paul is considered a franchise legend, spending six seasons with the Clippers between 2011 and 2017.
On the other hand, the Lakers would potentially be interested in pairing Paul with his great friend LeBron James. The two reportedly always hoped to play together, and the franchise would be willing to give it a shot if Paul were ready to accept a veteran’s minimum contract or a salary near that.
Paul was close to becoming the Lakers’ player ahead of the 2011-12 season when he was a member of the New Orleans Hornets. The two teams agreed to a trade, but the league voided it, and Paul landed with the Clippers instead.
