Just a few hours after being traded to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Bradley Beal, future Hall-of-Famer Chris Paul is reportedly going to be traded to a contender. Prior to the Bradley Beal trade, there were numerous teams taking interest in the All-Star point guard. But, if the Wizards reach a decision to flip CP3 for picks or players, which team is he probably being dealt to? Let’s take a look at the top 3 teams that are rumored to be very interested in Chris Paul.
Golden State Warriors
Before being traded to the Washington Wizards, the Golden State Warriors front office had communicated to the Phoenix Suns about a possible trade involving Chris Paul. Even early in June, the Warriors already had talked of the same trade. But, with Bradley Beal’s no-trade clause, he chose the Suns allowing him to be traded there in exchange for Paul. It looked like the chances of CP3 joining Steph Curry were out of the window. Not until the rumors resurfaced again.
The Warriors and Suns discussed a potential deal centered around Chris Paul before he was dealt to the Wizards, per @ShamsCharania
(Via @FanDuelTV ) pic.twitter.com/pZv12s0SU5
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 19, 2023
According to Shams Charania, Golden State could pursue Paul again and make another go at the 12-time All-Star. He may not be the best player the Warriors need, especially with Steph Curry running point, but Chris Paul may just be a good fit for the team. Last season, CP3 averaged 13.9 points, 8.9 assists, and 4.3 rebounds in 59 games. Although he is already 38, Paul can still contribute greatly to the floor as a veteran player off the bench.
Two teams have shown interest if the Wizards choose to flip Chris Paul.
The Clippers… and the Warriors.@ShamsCharania has details.
🎥 @FanDuelTVpic.twitter.com/CB8ZT2JdPm
— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) June 19, 2023
Los Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers are just waiting on the corner for a possible reunion with Chris Paul. Now that the Washington Wizards are in rebuild mode, it’s evident they’re going to turn Chris Paul into more draft picks.
The Wizards "are likely to reroute" Chris Paul in a trade and the Clippers are expected to pursue a reunion, per @ChrisBHaynes pic.twitter.com/WrGUTpfd1a
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) June 18, 2023
Meanwhile, Russell Westbrook is also a free agent this summer, which means the Clippers could be torn into signing either one of them. But, good news! Various sources say that the Clippers could retain Westbrook and then get Chris Paul from the Wizards. Would it be good to see a Westbrook-Paul backcourt alongside Paul George and Kawhi Leonard? That team isn’t the best and probably won’t be playing together for even 50 games because of injuries, age, and load management. That being said, the idea of a CP3 and Clippers reunion is very exciting.
The Clippers could still re-sign Russell Westbrook and acquire Chris Paul, per @LawMurrayTheNU
“The Clippers would not be shutting the door on Westbrook even if they could acquire Paul, league sources not authorized to speak publicly tell The Athletic.”
(Via @TheAthletic… pic.twitter.com/8xLoGDf0Wh
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 19, 2023
Milwaukee Bucks
Chris Paul is already 38 years old but he still has 2 years left in his four-year $120 million contract with the Phoenix Suns. However, with such a huge contract for a “washed” CP3, teams would have second thoughts about taking him. Despite that, the Milwaukee Bucks are reportedly frontrunners to sign Paul in the 2023-2024 season. To make it possible, Paul must agree to a buyout with the Wizards and become able to sign to any team. If that happens, Chris Paul still has $15.8 Million guaranteed money (almost half of his supposed salary) for next season from his contract.
https://twitter.com/BobbysWorld414/status/1670676257556639747
If he signs with the Bucks, we could potentially get a strong lineup of Chris Paul, Jrue Holiday, Khris Middleton, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Brook Lopez. That is if they keep Middleton and Lopez, who are both free agents this summer. They’re two of the best players in the 2023 free agency market and Milwaukee should act now if they want to keep these stars.
Where do you see Chris Paul playing next season? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. For more content, stay with us here at Spiel Times. Make sure you subscribe to our push notifications and never miss an update. You can also follow us on Spiel Anime, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Until next time!
