The Los Angeles Clippers and Washington Wizards haven’t talked about a Chris Paul trade yet, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports.
The Clippers are interested in trading for Paul, who was traded by the Phoenix Suns to the Wizards in the blockbuster Bradley Beal deal.
“For all the connections being made between both Los Angeles clubs and Chris Paul, there have been no significant trade conversations between the Clippers and Wizards to exchange the 38-year-old veteran, sources said, although Los Angeles could very well match Paul’s salary with the expiring contracts of Marcus Morris and Robert Covington, and there appears to be mutual interest between the Clippers and Paul,” Fischer wrote. “Russell Westbrook’s return remains very much at play for the Clippers this offseason.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers & Washington Wizards Updates
The Clippers would not be shutting the door on Russell Westbrook even if they could acquire Paul, according to Law Murray of The Athletic. Westbrook becomes an unrestricted free agent on June 30.
“The Clippers would not be shutting the door on Westbrook even if they could acquire Paul, league sources not authorized to speak publicly told The Athletic,” Murray wrote. “The biggest contract they can legally offer Westbrook (starting at 120 percent of the veteran’s minimum) would still be on the table. How Westbrook receives that is unclear.
“While Westbrook was seriously contemplating returning to the Clippers on that contract for slightly more than the veteran’s minimum, those sources said, that was before LA’s interest in Paul reached this degree. Trading for Paul while Westbrook is still available would be a way for the front office to get the player it wants in place while forcing Westbrook to potentially take the same deal, but for undoubtedly a different role.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers & Washington Wizards Updates
Paul played six seasons for the Clippers from 2011-12 to 2016-17. It would be quite to story to see the Wake Forest product back in Los Angeles playing for the Clippers again. He averaged 13.9 points, 4.3 rebounds and 8.9 assists this past season for the Suns.
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