If Chris Paul decides to opt out of the final year of his contract with the Los Angeles Clippers this summer, the star point guard could consider joining the Western Conference powerhouse San Antonio Spurs.
According to a report from ESPN’s Marc Stein, the four-time first-team all-star is “intrigued by the idea of teaming up with the likes of Spurs coach Gregg Popovich and MVP top-three finalist Kawhi Leonard in his quest to achieve the deep playoff success that has eluded Paul to this point in his career.”
Paul found success early in his career with the New Orleans Hornets after the team selected him fourth overall in 2005 NBA Draft. He was traded to the Clippers in 2011 and signed a five-year contract with the team in 2013.
Stein said that the Spurs are expected to “secure a face-to-face meeting with Paul when free agency begins July 1” but added San Antonio would have to make serious roster concessions to afford a player like Paul.
The 12-year NBA vet could potentially receive the type of max contract Steph Curry is likely to sign this summer—a deal in the range of five years and more than $200 million.
Paul has never been out of the second round during his time with the Clippers while the Spurs have failed to get out of the second round only twice in the past six seasons.
A move to San Antonio could bode well for the 32-year-old considering he has performed well at the AT&T Center throughout his career. In 20 career appearances in the Spurs’ home arena, he has averaged 20.9 points, 8.5 assists, 4.4 rebounds and two steals per game.
The Spurs’ current starting point guard, Tony Parker, is entering the final year of his contract. The 35-year-old Frenchman’s production has steadily declined over the past four seasons.
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