Another big name has hit the open market.
The Golden State Warriors have opted to waive veteran guard Chris Paul ahead of Sunday’s deadline, which would see his $30-million salary kick get guaranteed for next season, TNT’s Chris Haynes reported Sunday.
His $30 million contract for next season was not guaranteed, and by waiving him, the Warriors now have access to their full $12.8 million mid-level exception, according to Yahoo’s Jake Fischer.
Paul, 39, is one of the most decorated active NBA players, earning 12 all-star nods, 11 All-NBA selections and nine All-Defensive team selections over the course of his 19-year career.
He had the least productive season of his storied career last year, averaging a career-low 9.2 points, 3.9 rebounds and 6.8 assists while mostly coming off the bench for the Warriors.
He bounced around last summer, heading to the Washington Wizards as part of a three-team trade that saw Bradley Beal end up in Phoenix. After that, he was traded to the Warriors as part of the trade sending Jordan Poole to Washington.
After a brief stint with the Golden State Warriors, veteran point guard Chris Paul has been waived by the team, making him a free agent once again. This move comes as a surprise to many NBA fans, as Paul was expected to provide valuable leadership and experience to the Warriors’ roster.
Paul, who is a 12-time All-Star and one of the most respected players in the league, was acquired by the Warriors in a trade with the Phoenix Suns earlier this offseason. The move was seen as a way for Golden State to bolster their backcourt and add another playmaker to their already talented lineup.
However, it seems that things did not work out as planned for Paul and the Warriors. Despite his impressive resume and skillset, Paul struggled to find his rhythm with his new team and failed to make a significant impact on the court. As a result, the decision was made to part ways with the 36-year-old guard.
Now that he is a free agent, Paul will have the opportunity to explore his options and potentially sign with another team before the start of the upcoming NBA season. There are sure to be several teams interested in adding a player of Paul’s caliber to their roster, as he still has plenty left in the tank and can make a significant impact on both ends of the floor.
While it remains to be seen where Paul will ultimately end up, one thing is for certain: he will continue to be a valuable asset to any team lucky enough to secure his services. Whether he signs with a contender looking to make a championship push or a young team in need of veteran leadership, Paul’s presence on the court will undoubtedly be felt wherever he lands.