The San Antonio Spurs are often mentioned by NBA figures as a potential destination for Chris Paul, according to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports.
The Suns are trying to trade Paul, who has a partially guaranteed contract for next season.
“Rival personnel are looking at San Antonio as one of the few landing spots for teams to offload salary ahead of these mounting tax complications going into effect July 1,” Fischer wrote. “For that reason, the Spurs are often mentioned by league figures as a potential destination for veteran floor general Chris Paul.
“Phoenix is searching for trade possibilities regarding the 12-time All-Star point guard before the last $15 million of his $30.8 million salary for the 2023-24 season becomes guaranteed June 28 — two days before the start of free agency. Any team acquiring Paul ahead of that deadline would inherit the same optionality the Suns face if they don’t move him: waiving Paul and avoiding a significant cap hit for the upcoming campaign.”
The Spurs will draft Victor Wembanyama with the first overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Paul has a close relationship with San Antonio head coach Gregg Popovich.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Chris Paul, Phoenix Suns & San Antonio Spurs Updates
If the Suns can’t trade Paul, they will waive or stretch the future Hall of Famer.
“But is San Antonio truly a possibility for Paul? It will have to spend that money somehow,” Fischer wrote. “Another facet of the new CBA will mandate all teams reach the season’s salary cap floor — 90% of the overall budget — prior to training camp. Yet no matter how tantalizing a partnership with storied head coach Gregg Popovich could be, plus the opportunity to pair with Wembanyama in his inaugural NBA season, there’s a general understanding among front offices that Paul would prefer to play in a contending environment, where the 38-year-old table-setter can compete for a championship.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Chris Paul, Phoenix Suns & San Antonio Spurs Updates
Paul averaged 13.9 points, 4.3 rebounds and 8.9 assists this past season for the Suns while shooting 44.0% from the field, 37.5% from beyond the arc and 83.1% from the free-throw line.
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