Dec 25, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Chris Paul (3) reacts back to the Denver Nuggets bench in the third quarter at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY SportsFriday’s deadline to guarantee Chris Paul’s $30 million contract for next season with the Golden State Warriors will come and go, multiple outlets reported, with both sides in agreement to push the deadline back to the start of free agency on Sunday.
According to ESPN, the two-day delay will give the Warriors more time to work out a trade.
Next season is the final one on Paul’s four year, $120 million deal he signed with the Phoenix Suns in advance of the 2021-22 season.
Paul, 39, was traded just over a year ago from the Suns to the Washington Wizards, then dealt again two weeks later to the Warriors.
Playing in 58 games for Golden State last season (18 starts), Paul averaged 9.2 points with 6.8 assists in a career-low 26.4 minutes per game.
The Rookie of the Year in the 2005-06 season and a 12-time All-Star, Paul has averaged 17.5 points and 9.4 assists in 1,272 games (1,232 starts) over 19 seasons. He has finished in the top five of MVP voting five times, but his scoring average has dipped in each of the past four seasons.
Paul ranks third in NBA history in both steals (2,614) and assists (11,894).
–Field Level Media
The Golden State Warriors are facing an important decision regarding veteran guard Chris Paul’s future with the team. With a deadline approaching to guarantee Paul’s $30 million contract for the upcoming season, both the Warriors and Paul have agreed to push back the deadline to the start of free agency.
This move allows the Warriors more time to explore potential trade options involving Paul. The 39-year-old guard was acquired by the Warriors just over a year ago in a series of trades that saw him move from the Phoenix Suns to the Washington Wizards before landing in Golden State.
Despite his age, Paul remains a valuable asset on the court. Last season, he appeared in 58 games for the Warriors, averaging 9.2 points and 6.8 assists in limited playing time. A former Rookie of the Year and 12-time All-Star, Paul has had an illustrious career that includes averaging 17.5 points and 9.4 assists over 19 seasons.
Paul’s impact goes beyond just scoring and playmaking. He ranks third in NBA history in both steals and assists, showcasing his defensive prowess and court vision. While his scoring average has declined in recent years, Paul’s leadership and basketball IQ make him a valuable presence on any team.
As the Warriors weigh their options with Paul, fans will be eager to see how the situation unfolds leading up to the start of free agency. Whether Paul remains with the team or is traded elsewhere, his legacy as one of the game’s greatest point guards is secure.
