Written by Joe Rodgers at Sporting News.com
THE RUMOR: The Spurs could be a legitimate option for Chris Paul as an unrestricted free agent this offseason and the “rumblings” about the point guard being interested are real.
REPORTED BY: ESPN’s Zach Lowe
THE DETAILS: Paul, 32, is a nine-time All-Star and four-time All-NBA first-team selection but is also a 12-year veteran with a shrinking “prime” window. All that’s missing is an NBA title. He couldn’t get a ring in six seasons with the Clippers but sees potential through Gregg Popovich in San Antonio. Paul is expected to decline his $24.2 million player option for next season in order to test free agency.
THIS PAST SEASON: Paul averaged 18.1 points, 9.2 assists, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.9 steals in 61 games. He missed time due to a torn ligament in his left thumb and was left off the All-Star roster for the first time since 2006-07.
OUR TAKE: The destination for Paul all comes down to what he cherishes more: A legitimate shot at an NBA championship or a max deal worth about $205 million with the Clippers. With Tony Parker facing a career-changing ruptured quadriceps at age 35 and Manu Ginobili likely playing his final game, the Spurs will be in need of a floor general alongside Kawhi Leonard.
Of course, a championship or a Western Conference title isn’t guaranteed with the Warriors still likely at full strength next season. The Spurs’ possible new “Big Three” of Paul, Leonard, and LaMarcus Aldridge would be better than the Clippers’ options but it would have to come with a big pay cut for Paul. San Antonio doesn’t have the salary cap flexibility unless it trades Pau Gasol and lets Patty Mills and Jonathon Simmons walk. The Spurs may be better off re-signing that duo and bringing in a stopgap point guard for Parker than adding another max contract to their payroll.
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