Chris Paul won’t get the $30 million that he could’ve gotten from the Warriors, but it didn’t take long for the point guard to find a new home in free agency.
Paul planned to sign with the Spurs, TNT and Bleacher Report reported Sunday, and ESPN added that it’s a one-year deal worth at least $11 million.
He averaged 6.8 assists and a career-worst 9.2 points per game last year with Golden State, which acquired him after a stretch where Paul was traded from the Suns to the Wizards and then from Washington to the Warriors following a disappointing end to Phoenix’s postseason run in the Western Conference semifinals.
He had one year remaining on a contract that he originally inked with Phoenix, but after pushing back their deadline to guarantee the $30 million salary from Friday to Sunday, the Warriors opted to not guarantee it and instead allow Paul to become a free agent — one of two guards they’ll need to replace in 2024-25, with Klay Thompson also moving on from Golden State.
So the latest stop in the 39-year-old’s lengthy NBA career will pair him with Victor Wembanyama, the 7-foot-4 star who the Spurs took with the No. 1 overall pick in last year’s draft.
Follow all the latest updates on NBA free agency, including signings, trades and rumors.
San Antonio went just 28-60 in 2023-24, and Wembanyama led them in scoring at 21.4 points per game while Devin Vassell added 19.5 per game.
“He’s very eager and motivated for this opportunity to return to a starting role,” NBA insider Chris Haynes said during an NBA TV segment. “He still believes that he’s a starter. He still believes he can play at an elite level. And he’s excited about the chance to pair up with Wembanyama.
“… You’re gonna get a really inspired and motivated Chris Paul at this stage of his career. He wants to show and prove to people that he still has it.”
Paul was originally drafted by New Orleans in 2005, and after spending the first six years of his career there, he has since played for the Clippers, Thunder, Rockets, Thunder, Suns and Warriors before now joining San Antonio.
Christine Lake is a sports fanatic who lives and breathes athletics. With an extensive background in sports journalism, he covers everything from major league championships to grassroots sports events. When she’s not on the field or at the stadium, you’ll find Christine coaching youth sports teams.
