The Golden State Warriors have had a terrible start to the 2023-24 NBA season, finishing below .
500 with a 7-9 record.
Of all the things going wrong for Golden State, what seems to be working is the presence of Chris Paul.
to HoopsHype, the 38-year-old reserve is on a hefty contract worth $30 million this season,
but could be extended by Golden State for the right price.
“Golden State is pleased with Paul’s production and fit with the team and is willing to keep him through this
season at the right price.
” CP3 is averaging 8.
9 points, 3.
6 rebounds and 7.
3 assists so far this season.
He has been moved around the starting lineup and on the bench due to injuries and suspensions, but
appears to be the ideal sixth man for the Warriors.
He provides stability from the bench that the scoreline cannot reflect.
However, there’s no intangible impact that can replace production, so Paul certainly can’t expect to get back
the $30 million he currently has from the Warriors.
But a contract in the $10 million range is likely a price Paul feels is fair and something the Warriors would be
willing to pay for his leadership and point guard play.
Personally, Chris Paul’s decision doesn’t change things for the Warriors.
Although his higher IQ play helped the team suffer fewer turnovers, the loss of Jordan Poole in the blitz
caused the team’s performance to decline.
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They weren’t a strong team last season and seem to have taken a step back this year.
Just because Paul’s production was average doesn’t mean Paul was immune to their slow starts.
His offense plummeted as he aged in the NBA, unable to consistently score from the field or from three.
He shot 39.
1% from the field and 32.
8% from three this year, certainly below average for a point guard.
The Warriors need to refocus on adding scoring depth around Stephen Curry, and Paul is not having that.
Converting Paul’s $30 million into a $10 million deal allows them to maintain continuity while reducing their luxury tax bill.
Most people would argue against trading Paul, but the upcoming salary of a star player like Pascal Siakam would be something the Warriors are committed to long-term.
If they want to continue to fight for the title, they cannot let Paul go because of his salary issues and cannot replace him.
But if they trade Paul, they could get another long-term contract to continue during the offseason.
It will depend on the stomachs of the Warriors’ owners and their willingness to continue paying taxes to keep this team together.
Klay Thompson may be the odd man out, needing a bigger contract extension offer than Paul, but no one will be knocking on his door right now as he begins the season.
He’s probably safe in a trade, but the Warriors need to move up to contention before their window opens up, and replacing Klay may be of more interest to them than replacing CP3.
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