Chris Paul and the Pelicans face enormous obstacles

The New Orleans Pelicans will act with urgency this summer, according to EVP David Griffin’s farewell interview. While the front office looks forward to reshaping the roster around Zion Williamson, some fans are looking back to the past to find the point guard of the future. The franchise wanted to sign Chris Paul as a free agent a few years ago, but a few obstacles stand in the way of a reunion.

An existing contract should not be an obstacle, although announcing Chris Paul’s retirement is not out of the question. The June 28 deadline by which the Golden State Warriors must exercise Chris Paul’s $30 million contract option for next season is a mere formality. Golden State can choose to do so, which would cost them nearly $20 million in additional luxury tax, or let the aging veteran test free agency for $0. The decision is clear for the Warriors, but what’s next for Paul?

There are only so many teams with needs and money, and the future Hall-of-Famer will only want to sign to join a team that has playoff quality. Zion Williamson’s Pelicans already have some benchmarks in place. Can they count on the franchise’s best player coming back?

Chris Paul returns to the Pelicans

Everyone loves a feel-good story. A Chris Paul homecoming would bring a glorious career full circle. First, let’s look at the historical connections. Chris Paul began his NBA career with the New Orleans Hornets (now the Pelicans) after being drafted fourth overall in 2005. During his six seasons in New Orleans, CP3 established himself as one of the league’s best point guards and led the team to playoff success.

Paul can still be a near-top-notch playmaker to close out games when a team is keeping the yardage low. There would be no better custodian to show Williamson and Daniels how to lay the foundation for other offensive players at a high level. The crafty 39-year-old’s playmaking skills could elevate everyone’s performance and also provide a little more intensity in the locker room.

The Pelicans offered Paul a three-year, $100 million deal a few years ago. New Orleans could now offer a two-year deal for a fraction of the price, with the second season only partially guaranteed, and get the same quality of leadership. The questions about Paul all revolve around the miles on his nearly 40 legs. The problem for the Pelicans, beyond Paul’s future ability to play, is the selling point.

Lakers need cheap help for LeBron James

Bringing Paul to the Los Angeles Lakers if LeBron James extends his contract is the safest, most secret but not exactly safe bet in the NBA free agency betting markets. An old video of new Lakers head coach JJ Redick touting a Chris Paul/LeBron James combination is making the rounds on social media again.

“I think with his intelligence and LeBron’s ability to play pick and roll with Anthony Davis,” Redick said. “I think if I was Chris (Paul) and I asked myself, ‘Where do I have the best chance to potentially compete for a championship?’ To me, it feels like next year, more than anything, it’s going to be the Lakers…”

The point still stands a year later, but there are additional aspects to consider now. Paul played limited minutes (26.4 per game) in 58 appearances last season. Still, he averaged 9.2 points and 6.8 assists per game on 37.1% three-point shooting. That kind of performance and consistent leadership through the latter parts of the regular season is worth a look.

However, the Pelicans will likely have to offer more than the $3.4 million minimum to secure Paul’s services for the 2024-25 season. How much more money is needed to make it an enticing offer is likely the sticking point in a Chris Paul return to New Orleans to finish his career. The Lakers will be able to offer a bigger role if D’Angelo Russell exits, a more glamorous market and the chance to finally work with a friend in LeBron.