Some say that if you can’t beat them, you should join them. Recently, those principles have been applied in the NBA. We’ve seen players join teams that they’ve struggled to beat in the past.
With that in mind – Chris Paul in a Golden State Warriors jersey feels wrong. It just does. Paul went to war with the Warriors as a member of the Los Angeles Clippers and the Houston Rockets. Now, he’s on the team. Welcome to the modern NBA – player movement is the norm.
Will this work? It’s hard to say. Paul and Draymond Green will need to put their personal issues with each other to the side. More broadly, Paul is a pick-and-roll dominant guard who may or may not succeed in the Warriors’ system. If it’s not looking good leading up to the deadline, could the Warriors flip him for Norman Powell of the Los Angeles Clippers?
The Trade Proposal
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: G Chris Paul, 2025 Second-Round Pick (CHA via LAC), 2026 Second-Round Pick (ATL via LAC)
Golden State Warriors Receive: G/F Norman Powell, F Robert Covington
With that said, Paul’s presence on the Warriors doesn’t reflect the modern player movement trend. Paul didn’t force his way to the Warriors. In all likelihood, he never wanted to land there in the first place.
Sure, the Warriors are contenders. So were the Phoenix Suns that Paul came from. Some may suggest that the Suns have a more talented core. More broadly, Paul has some history with the Warriors, and it isn’t pleasant. If we had to guess, he was feeling more comfortable in Arizona.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Norman Powell, Golden State Warriors & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
Unfortunately, Paul is near the end of his career. This is one of the best point guards in NBA history, but this season, Paul’s production declined. The Suns moved him to clear salary space. Should the Clippers acquire him for the sake of rostering him?
Why The Los Angeles Clippers Do The Deal
Sure. The Clippers need a point guard – badly. At this point, beggars may not be able to be choosers. At the moment, the Clippers are linked to James Harden. If they land him, they may opt against this move. Otherwise, they should be open to upgrading at the 1.
Paul would be an upgrade. Yes, the Clippers have Russell Westbrook at the moment. He can still be impactful in short bursts as well. Still, Paul’s superior decision-making and floor spacing ought to make him a cleaner fit. This is the type of player that the Clippers could use.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Norman Powell, Golden State Warriors & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
After all, they don’t need a star point guard. If they can stay healthy, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George will carry this offense. The Clippers simply need a reliable decision-maker who can space the floor. Paul qualifies. Should the Warriors give up such a useful player?
Why The Golden State Warriors Do The Deal
Since the Warriors only acquired Paul this summer, they can’t do this deal yet. That’s perfect. Realistically, the Warriors should see how this looks before they give up on it.
Perhaps Paul will be perfect for him. This team’s offense looked a bit one-dimensional in this year’s playoffs. Having Paul as a switch hit off the bench could be beneficial. On the other hand, he may not be the right stylistic fit for Steve Kerr.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Norman Powell, Golden State Warriors & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
If he isn’t, the Warriors could benefit from this deal. Powell is a solid shot-creating guard in his own right. Meanwhile, Robert Covington is a solid, multi-positional defensive wing. All told, adding two quality rotation players may be worth the price of Paul: he may not be joining this organization for long.
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