Warriors waive experienced guard Chris Paul as NBA free agency begins

The Golden State Warriors released point guard Chris Paul on Sunday, exceeding their salary cap of $30 million that he would have been entitled to in the 2024-25 season if his contract had been guaranteed, a league source confirmed to the Chronicle.

Paul’s guarantee was supposed to be fulfilled on Friday, but the Warriors agreed with the 19-year-old veteran to push the date back while they scoured the league for transfer opportunities. Golden State acquired the 39-year-old from the Washington Wizards last year in exchange for a package centered around guard Jordan Poole, who began the first season of a lucrative contract he signed with the Warriors in 2023-24.

As a result, the Warriors owe 11 players about $147 million through the 2024-25 season. During free agency – which began at 3 p.m. Sunday – they have access to the $12.8 million mid-level non-taxpayer exception and the $4.7 million biennial exception.

The salary cap for 2024-25 is $140.6 million, the NBA announced Sunday. The luxury tax limit is $170.8 million, the first cap is $178.1 million and the second cap is $188.9 million. The caps are subject to restrictions on roster composition.

Having purchased the 52nd overall pick in the NBA Draft to select center Quentin Post from Boston College, the Warriors have a firm grip on the second position.

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