Chris Paul lands with intriguing Western Conference team
Oct 7, 2023; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Chris Paul (3) reacts after a foul is called in favor of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Chris Paul has a new favorite lob target, and his name is Victor Wembanyama.
Paul plans to sign with the San Antonio Spurs, according to Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes. The deal is reportedly worth $11 million for one year.
Free agent star Chris Paul intends to sign with the San Antonio Spurs, league sources tell @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport. pic.twitter.com/drgZmqeO1b
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) July 1, 2024
Free agent guard Chris Paul has agreed on a one-year, $11 million-plus deal with the San Antonio Spurs, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2024
The Warriors made the surprising move of waiving Paul on Sunday. Golden State had been trying to find a trade partner to take on the 12-time All-Star’s $30 million deal but to no avail. It didn’t take long for the Spurs to pounce on Paul.
Paul reportedly had a great conversation with Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich. The veteran guard was immediately sold on the culture fit and the potential to “elevate” Wembanyama’s game.
The Spurs had long been linked to a few All-Star point guards but ultimately went with Paul.
Signing Paul very much feels like a low-risk, high reward move for the Spurs.
In 2019, Paul was traded away to a rebuilding Oklahoma City Thunder squad that had another young star in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. CP3 led the Thunder team to a surprising postseason appearance and mentored SGA along the way.
The Spurs are likely hoping Paul has the same effect on the Wemby-led Spurs.
Last season, Paul took on a bench role with the Warriors for the first time in his career. He averaged career lows in points (9.2), assists (6.8), and steals (1.2) per game across 58 games with Golden State.