CHRIS PAUL HAS EARNED THE RIGHT TO PICK HIS NEXT STOP
Chris Paul's future is unclear. He has a $30 million team option for next season that is totally non-guaranteed. As such, the Golden State Warriors could waive him before his guarantee date of June 28. They wouldn't receive a cap hit for making that decision. However, the Warriors would likely prefer to trade Paul and get some assets back in return.
Nevertheless, it's looking increasingly likely that Paul will enter unrestricted free agency this summer. On Sunday, Marc Stein reported that Paul would likely wish to remain in or near Los Angeles to be close to his family.
"I keep hearing that Paul, if he actually makes to free agency at some point, would draw interest from the Clippers as well as the Lakers. Paul's desire to play as close to his L.A.-based family as possible is well-known, but I'm told interest in bringing him to the Lakers might not be unanimous within the organization despite Paul's well-chronicled friendship with LeBron James," Stein reported.
Paul will be entering his 20th season in the NBA. He is at the tail-end of his career. He's earned the right to choose where he plays next, whether that's with a contending team or somewhere he can have a significant role. Despite being under a year away from turning 40, Paul is still one of the best playmakers in the league.
A role with either the LA Clippers or Los Angeles Lakers would likely be ideal for Paul. However, a lot will likely depend on how much playing time he will receive in either of those situations. If another team offers him a chance to be an important part of the rotation.
Paul could want to keep chasing a championship. A ring has evaded him throughout his career. His opportunities are slowly fading away. The Clippers, with its aging roster of Hall of Fame talent, could be a smart landing spot for him to make one final push for immortality.
Nevertheless, Paul's future won't be in his own hands until the Warriors (or another team) waive his current contract. Fortunately for Paul, his contract situation should be resolved next week. Then, one of the greatest guards in NBA history can decide on his future and potentially make one last push to be crowned a champion.
Want more articles like this? Follow Yardbarker on MSN to see more of our exclusive NBA content.
More must-reads:
- Warriors' negotiations with five-time All-Star have hit big snag
- Is Klay Thompson unfollowing the Warriors a telltale sign?
- The '2012 Team USA men's basketball' quiz
Trending slideshow: Forgotten NBA stars from the LeBron era (Provided by Yardbarker)