Chris Paul won't get the $30 million he could have gotten from the Warriors, but it wouldn't take long for the point guard to find a new home in free agency.
Paul is set to sign with the Spurs, TNT and Bleacher Report reported Sunday, with ESPN adding that it's a one-year deal worth at least $11 million.
Paul averaged 6.8 assists and a career-worst 9.2 points last year for Golden State, which acquired him after he was traded from the Suns to the Wizards and then from Washington to the Warriors following a disappointing playoff loss in Phoenix to the Western Conference semifinals.
Paul had one year remaining on his original contract with Phoenix, but after the deadline to guarantee his $30 million salary was extended from Friday to Sunday, the Warriors chose not to guarantee it and instead let Paul become a free agent. Paul will be one of two guards available to replace Klay Thompson in the 2024-25 season with Golden State also leaving.
The 39-year-old's latest move in his lengthy NBA career will see him team up with Victor Wembanyama, the 7-foot-4 star who the Spurs took first overall in last year's draft.
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San Antonio finished just 28-60 in 2023-24 with Wenbanyama leading the team with a 21.4 ppg average and Devin Vassell adding a 19.5 ppg average.
“He's very eager and motivated for this opportunity to return to the starting lineup,” NBA insider Chris Haynes said. Speaking on an NBA TV show“He still believes he's a starter, he still believes he can play at an elite level, and he's excited about the opportunity to pair with Wenbayama.”
“… Chris Paul is really filled with inspiration and motivation at this stage in his career. He wants to show and prove to people that he still has it.”
Paul was drafted by New Orleans in 2005 and spent the first six years of his career there before playing for the Clippers, Thunder, Rockets, Thunder, Suns and Warriors before joining San Antonio.
