Report: CP3 interests Clippers in free agency as backup guard originally appeared in NBC Sports Bay Area
If Chris Paulo hits the NBA free agent market, he will have suitors for the 2024-25 season.
While the Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs have already been linked to Paulwho is currently on the Warriors roster, the Los Angeles Clippers – his former team – could join the mix.
“However, I heard this week that [Chris] Paul and Kyle Lowry, whose free agency is approaching after finishing last season in Philadelphia, are veteran guards of interest to the Clippers,” NBC Sports NBA contributor Marc Stein wrote in your latest Substack newsletter (h/t Pro Basketball Talk’s Kurt Helin).
Paul has a Unguaranteed salary of $30 million for the 2024-25 season, and the Warriors have until June 28 to decide whether or not to release the veteran point guard or guarantee his salary.
The Warriors could also use Paul’s contract to help facilitate a trade this offseason.
Paul’s tenure with the Warriors was always thought to be a one-year union, with Golden State acquiring him from the Washington Wizards in the Jordan Poole trade last summer.
The short-term commitment to Paul was seen as a way for the Warriors to reduce long-term salary while looking to avoid CBA luxury tax penalties.
But Paul, in his 19th NBA season, took on a reduced role on the Warriors’ bench and was still productive when he was on the court. In 58 games, including 18 starts, the 39-year-old averaged 9.2 points and 6.8 assists in 26.4 minutes. He shot 44.1% from the field and 37.1% from 3-point range, in line with his numbers from the 2022-23 season.
While it’s unclear what the future holds for Paul, Warriors coach Steve Kerr made it clear after the season ended that he would be in Golden State’s favor. bringing back the veteran point guard.
“Chris has been fantastic, not just on the court but also in his leadership,” Kerr said in his season-ending press conference following the Warriors’ play-in tournament loss to the Kings. “It was a difficult situation for him, which he handled beautifully. He has always been his team’s starting point guard. But you look at our team and we’re pretty small. Even though he’s one of our best players, if we want to release our best players and he’s one of them, you start adding Chris, Steph [Curry]Klay [Thompson] – is not the ideal cast for him.
“… The way he handled it this year was incredible. So professional, a great mentor for younger people. One of the greatest professionals I’ve ever met – just his approach, his attitude and his sacrifice. I loved coaching Chris and really hope we bring him back next year.”
Paul spent six seasons with the Clippers, arriving in Los Angeles in 2011 before being traded to the Houston Rockets in 2017.
If Paul doesn’t return to the Warriors, there’s a good chance he sees them as a contender next season.
