Warriors transfer plans for Chris Paul updated as Lakers and Clippers in focus

Chris Paul’s first season with the Golden State Warriors ended last April. The veteran point guard played a key role as a backup, playmaker and led the second unit. However, it looks like Paul will move again this summer. In a recent Substack article by NBA insider Marc Stein, the Warriors are reportedly exploring their transfer options for Paul.

“The Warriors, league sources say, have continued to explore their transfer options with Paul’s trade-friendly contract in conjunction with Wednesday’s draft, as well as the prospect of moving Friday’s deadline to July if Paul agrees to that change (as previously covered here),” Stein wrote.

If Golden State also allows Paul to become a free agent, the point guard could continue playing in another city on the West Coast – more specifically, Los Angeles.

“I keep hearing that if Paul does indeed become a free agent at some point, he would attract interest from both the Clippers and the Lakers,” Stein added. “Paul’s desire to play as close to his LA-based family as possible is well known, but I’m told that interest in bringing him to the Lakers may not be unanimous within the organization, despite Paul’s well-documented friendship with LeBron James.”

“I’ve been hearing for weeks that the Clippers – even though Russell Westbrook has a $4 million player option for next season – are interested in Paul and Kyle Lowry to create more depth in the backcourt. Lowry, however, is from Philadelphia and is expected to re-sign with the 76ers.”

Chris Paul lately

Paul is coming up on a non-guaranteed final year of his contract, meaning Golden State has the option to waive it and make him a free agent. The luxury tax and more flexibility in Klay Thompson’s contract extension talks are just two of several reasons the Warriors could let Paul go.

It’s not that he played poorly last season. Paul averaged 9.2 points, 6.8 assists and 3.9 rebounds in 58 games for the Dubs. While that’s a drop from his previous averages, it’s still pretty commendable for a point guard who played behind Stephen Curry. And to see the full extent of Paul’s impact, you have to watch the Warriors’ games. His ability to run the offense and make plays for his teammates is still there. Despite his age (39 years old), Chris Paul is a testament to how a high basketball IQ and fundamental knowledge help older veterans keep up with young talent.

Still, Stein’s article suggests the Warriors likely have a future without the point guard in tow. The team has until Friday to make a decision on Paul’s contract, so it won’t be long before Dubs fans get a major update on the situation.