Warriors consider remarkable move with Chris Paul

October 7, 2023; San Francisco, California, USA; 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 Photo Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports

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

Anthony Slater of The Athletic reported this week that the Warriors are considering trading Paul. Slater notes that the team is actively looking at ways to improve the roster, including the possibility of using Paul’s non-guaranteed $30 million contract for next season as a flexible trade asset. The Warriors have also spoken with Paul about pushing back his June 28 signing deadline (at which point his contract would be fully guaranteed) to July if necessary, Slater adds.

As it currently stands, 12-time All-Star Paul, 39, is not guaranteed a cent of that $30 million. That would actually make him an interesting trade candidate, as a rival team could either get rid of Paul immediately after signing him or keep him as an experienced replacement (either for his $30 million or at a reduced price in a waiver-and-resign scenario).

Paul averaged 9.2 points and 6.8 assists per game for the Warriors last season despite mostly riding off the bench. His days as a regular in the league are likely over. But Paul already has several potential suitors in the West alone, and his (temporarily) favorable contract situation could put a potential trade on the line.