Due to Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob’s determination to avoid the luxury tax, this season likely will be guard Chris Paul’s last with the Warriors.
However, some teams should — and will — pursue him, as the 19-year veteran can uplift young talent and is still productive. In 55 games this season, Paul has averaged 9.3 points and 6.9 assists.
Here are two teams that would most benefit from Paul, who missed extended time this season with a left-hand injury.
San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs are rebuilding, but they have a budding superstar in 7-foot-4 Victor Wembanyama, who needs a point guard more than anything. While Paul’s best days are behind him, his history of maximizing big men is undeniable.
CP3 would be an upgrade over San Antonio’s current options at point guard. Tre Jones (9.9 PPG, 6.1 APG) is a backup point guard masquerading as a starter, and Devonte’ Graham (4.5 PPG) is mainly a scorer, not a distributor.
Even if San Antonio pursues a deal in the offseason for an elite lead guard such as Atlanta’s Trae Young, Paul would be a great secondary ballhandler at a reasonable price.
“He’s one of the greatest point guards ever, and he’s got a lot left,” Golden State head coach Steve Kerr said in March.
In addition to elevating the play of Wembanyama, Paul would aid in the development of promising, young players Keldon Johnson and Devin Vassell.
Oklahoma City Thunder
If Paul were to return to Oklahoma City, the circumstances would be much different this time around, as the Thunder are a budding powerhouse.
Paul could serve as a mentor for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a potential MVP candidate, as well as for rising stars Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams.
Plus, the basketball fit for Paul on Oklahoma City is sound, as the Thunder have no reliable ball handler outside of Gilgeous-Alexander.
Although Josh Giddey has improved his play recently, he’s not a threat as a scorer and his defense has often made him a liability.
