An expiring contract is a unique asset in the NBA. It doesn’t matter how expensive the contract is. It doesn’t matter who it’s attached to, either. Some teams will want to trade for that contract.
After all, some teams badly need cap relief. Others are willing to take on long-term money – whether to upgrade their roster or collect some assets. On the other hand, it’s less often that we see teams trade expiring contracts for expiring contracts.
That doesn’t mean it can’t happen. Perhaps one team needs depth, and another team needs a positional upgrade. In that event, we could see expiring contracts get swapped for each other.
For example, here’s a deal that has the Philadelphia 76ers acquiring Chris Paul.
NBA Trade Proposal
Golden State Warriors Receive: F/C Marcus Morris Sr., F Robert Covington, G/F Furkan Korkmaz
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: G Chris Paul, F/C Dario Saric
After all, every team needs to use a variety of scopes. They need to think about what’s best for them now, and they need to look at what’s best for them later. The Golden State Warriors are well aware of that fact.
For some time now, this organization has claimed to be “light years ahead”. When the Warriors were a dynasty, those claims felt legitimate. Recently, one wonders if they were preparing for the future as well as they were preparing for the present.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Chris Paul, Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
After all, the Warriors are faltering. Their veterans are aging, and their young players don’t look ready to take the mantle. Does this deal improve their outlook?
Why The Golden State Warriors Do The Deal
Above all else, the Warriors are flipping Paul for depth here. This team is light on rotation-caliber players. After this deal, they should have more reliable options to put on the floor.
After all, Covington can still guard across positions and space the floor. Korkmaz is a knockdown shooter. Morris Sr. can provide some spacing as a small ball 5 and some toughness. Each of these guys should find their way into the Warriors’ rotation.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Chris Paul, Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Is this a disappointing result after acquiring Paul? Perhaps. At the same time, he’s near the end of his career. The Warriors may not get much more for him. Should the Sixers even be interested in him?
Why The Philadelphia 76ers Do The Deal
The Warriors are lacking depth. The Sixers are better off in that area. Nicolas Batum has emerged as the clear favorite as a backup 4. The Sixers don’t have much need for Covington.
If they’re getting Saric, they don’t need Morris either. He’s a worse defender, but a comparable shooter and a better playmaker. That’s a lateral move. So, we’ll circle back to the original question – should the Sixers want Paul?
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Chris Paul, Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
We think so. By now, Tyrese Maxey is this team’s lead guard. The Sixers need a partner for him who can space the floor and make good decisions – Paul can still do that. Meanwhile, if he doesn’t work out, at least he’s on an expiring contract.
