Chris Paul trade rumors: Guard expected to start next season with Thunder
Thomas Lott
July 17, 2019 21:38 MYT
July 17, 2019 21:38 MYT
Chris Paul is likely to start the 2019-20 season with the Thunder.
Paul was traded to the Thunder by the Rockets last week in a package for Russell Westbrook and the team reportedly wanted to move on from the 34-year-old guard as quickly as it could.
However, a market never materialized for him and Oklahoma City expects to have him on its roster to start the year, according to ESPN.
Story filed to ESPN: Oklahoma City’s discussions to move nine-time All-Star guard Chris Paul onto a new destination are parked and an increasing expectation exists that he will start the season with the Thunder. — Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 17, 2019
An error occurred while retrieving the Tweet. It might have been deleted.
Both sides reportedly believe there will be a benefit to Paul playing with Oklahoma City in 2019-20.
OKC has been working with Paul and his representatives on finding a trade, but nothing is materializing so deep into summer free agency, sources said. Both sides believe there are benefits to Paul, 34, playing out the year with the Thunder. https://t.co/LjHCdLPZVg — Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 17, 2019
An error occurred while retrieving the Tweet. It might have been deleted.
The Heat were reportedly interested in Paul at some point this offseason, but they are no longer "actively pursuing" the guard, according to the Miami Herald.
Oklahoma City did not give Miami an offer enticing enough for the team to go after him.
OKC, to this point, has offered nothing enticing enough to seriously interest Heat in Chris Paul talks. Heat won't close door if that changes, but this is OKC trying to move Paul, not Heat actively pursuing player — Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) July 13, 2019
An error occurred while retrieving the Tweet. It might have been deleted.
Paul has three seasons and more than $100 million left on the four-year deal he signed with the Rockets before the 2017-18 season as part of a sign-and-trade which brought him to Houston from the Clippers.
The Thunder have gone all out on a rebuild this offseason as they have traded Westbrook, Paul George and Jerami Grant while acquiring an assortment of draft picks.
Paul does not seem to be a big part of the team's future, but it may not be easy to move him with his current contract. A buyout is also unlikely, as well.