Chris Paul’s first season with the Golden State Warriors did not turn out like either side had hoped, and if it does wind up being his only season with them, he reportedly could draw interest from the San Antonio Spurs.
“A potential team to watch, should Paul and the Warriors part ways, is San Antonio,” wrote NBA insider Marc Stein. “Among the early personnel rumbles in circulation: The Spurs could emerge as a Paul suitor if they decide to pursue some veteran know-how on a short-term contract basis to furnish presumptive Rookie of the Year winner Victor Wembanyama with more seasoned help in Year 2.”
The Warriors’ tumultuous campaign ended with a loss to the Sacramento Kings in the play-in tournament. Golden State finished 10th in the Western Conference standings and would have needed two play-in victories to advance into the 2024 NBA Playoffs.
Instead, it was an outcome far distant than what many were expecting when the Warriors acquired Paul in a trade with the Washington Wizards in exchange for Jordan Poole back in July. Golden State was adding a veteran player with vast playoff experience as they were aiming to make a run at yet another NBA championship.
Paul has said he is not going to retire, and Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has said he wants him back on the team, but there are several major decisions to make before the 39-year-old’s future is settled.
The Warriors have a team option on Paul for next season reportedly worth $30 million. That might prove to be prohibitive as the organization has several other major contract decisions to make, including whether or not to try to re-sign Klay Thompson.
“I loved being there this year,” Paul said. “Obviously, once the dust settles, we will talk. I want to see what Mike [Dunleavy Jr.] and them are thinking.”
If the Warriors decline the option on Paul, he would then become a free agent able to sign anywhere. Though he may seek a team that would give him a better chance to win an elusive NBA championship for the first time, the Spurs could enter the mix if they decide to pay for a more veteran presence to play alongside Wembanyama.
San Antonio also has been linked to Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young, so the Spurs certainly look like they will be a team worth watching as the NBA offseason eventually unfolds.
Despite Wembanyama’s outstanding rookie season, the Spurs finished 22-60 this season, 24 games behind the Warriors for the final spot in the play-in round. San Antonio has not been in the playoffs the past five seasons. Prior to this season, Paul hadn’t missed the playoffs since 2010.
