Chris Paul has chosen his next team after becoming a free agent this past weekend.
Signing with the Spurs
The veteran guard signed a one-year contract worth over $11 million with the Spurs, as reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. After Golden State decided to waive him on the same day his $30 million salary for the 2024-25 season was set to be guaranteed, Chris Paul and San Antonio quickly reached an agreement.
Joining Forces in Texas
Paul will spend his 20th NBA season in Texas, teaming up with Gregg Popovich. They aim to build a playoff-worthy team around rising star Victor Wembanyama. Sources say that Coach Popovich played a significant role in convincing Paul to join.
Breaking: Chris Paul has agreed on a one-year, $11 million-plus deal with the San Antonio Spurs, sources tell @wojespn.
— ESPN (@espn)
Chris B. Haynes shared, “I spoke to Chris Paul… He’s excited about the chance to pair up with Wembanyama… Pop just sold him on the culture and what they’re trying to do.”
Last Season’s Performance
In his previous season with the Warriors, Paul accepted a bench role and started only 18 out of 58 games he played. He averaged 9.2 points and 6.8 assists in about 26 minutes per game but improved these numbers when starting games.
Fans are thrilled about this new chapter for CP3!
Popovich praised Paul after a game against Golden State last March: “He’s one of the all-time best competitors ever in the league,” he said. “He’s a great leader, great competitor. It’s always fun to see him.”
Trade Attempts Before Waiving
The Athletic reported that before waiving him, Golden State explored various trade packages involving players like Wiggins, Kuminga, Moody, and future picks but couldn’t finalize any deals.
Brandin Podziemski’s Reaction
Young player Brandin Podziemski shared how he felt upon learning about Paul’s departure from Golden State: “Seeing Chris [leave] — I texted him yesterday; it was pretty sad,” he said at a summer league press conference.
Podziemski is now looking forward to potentially having an increased role within the Warriors lineup: “[From] my perspective… whoever’s with us on Media Day is who we have to work with,” he expressed optimistically.
