Chris Paul is signing a deal with the San Antonio Spurs after its Sunday launch by the Golden State Warriors, According to multiple reports.
The contract is for one year and more than 11 million dollars. according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Golden State waived Paul before Sunday’s deadline that would have guaranteed his contract for $30 million next season. The Warriors reportedly sought out trade suitors for Paul before Sunday’s deadline and released him after failing to land a partner. Now Paul is joining the Spurs.
Paul played a single season in San Francisco, splitting time as a backcourt partner and backup to Stephen Curry. At 39 years old, his scoring ability has dropped significantly compared to his prime as an All-Star. But he’s still a skilled point guard and floor leader who can score in spurts.
In 58 games, including 18 starts last season, Paul averaged 9.2 points, 6.8 assists, 3.9 rebounds, 1.3 turnovers and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 44.1 percent from the field and 37.1 percent from 3-point range.
Paul joins a young Spurs team built around rising star Victor Wembanyama, which features four-year veteran Tre Jones as point guard. The Spurs also added UConn guard Stephon Castle to their backcourt with the fourth pick in last week’s NBA draft.
The Warriors released Paul as they look to retool their roster around Curry in hopes of competing in the West next season.
Five-time All-Star and four-time NBA champion Klay Thompson’s future in Golden State is in doubt at the start of free agency. Talks with the 13-year Warriors veteran reportedly broke down as he hits the market as an unrestricted free agent. The Los Angeles Lakers, Clippers, Dallas Mavericks and Philadelphia 76ers are Among the teams reported Thompson plans to reunite in free agency.
