The Los Angeles Clippers could be in the market for a new point guard this offseason. According to Marc Stein, the Clippers are monitoring the situation of both Chris Paul and Kyle Lowry. Lowry becomes a free agent in the offseason, whereas Chris Paul is in the final year of his contract with the Warriors. The Clippers will make a move depending on Russell Westbrook’s decision on his $4 million player option.
“I nonetheless heard this week that Paul and Kyle Lowry, whose free agency is looming after finishing last season in Philadelphia, are veteran guards said to interest the Clippers… With a further variable to factor in stemming from Russell Westbrook’s still-to-be-determined status. Westbrook has a $4 million player option for next season that he must decide on by June 29.”
Kyle Lowry spent the last season in Philadelphia with the 76ers and is going to be looking for another contract this year, possibly with a different team. Whereas Chris Paul is still under contract with the Golden State Warriors. Paul is set to earn $30 million in this final year of his contract.
It is important to note that Paul’s salary is not guaranteed until the 28th of June, so the Warriors could presumably be waived before then, allowing him to sign with the Clippers if these reports are true.
The Clippers are looking for a veteran point guard on a team-friendly deal, and both Lowry and Paul would be solid options. Some complications come with pursuing Paul. For starters, his exit from the Clippers in 2017 was not entirely amicable. Furthermore, his poor relationship with James Harden, who is now on the Clippers, led to him being traded from the Rockets in 2019.
Could The Clippers And Chris Paul Reunite?
The upcoming offseason is a big one for the Clippers. Paul George is a free agent this offseason, with many NBA insiders expecting him to leave and join the Philadelphia 76ers. George’s departure will open up some cap space for the Clippers, which they can use to invest in one secondary star, or in a few solid role players.
Chris Paul is nearing the end of his career, and for him to get the opportunity to wrap up his NBA tenure on the team where he experienced his prime, and compete for a championship may be too tantalizing an opportunity to give up.
However, as mentioned before, there are complications with any potential move to the Clippers for Paul. Members of the Clippers organization would hope that those problems can be laid to rest ahead of a deal being reached.
CP3 proved last season that he can be an effective piece for a team, especially coming off the bench as the leader of the second unit. Having one of the greatest point guards of all time on a team-friendly deal to provide depth is a luxury for a team like the Clippers, who want to contend for a championship next season. But any deal for Paul depends on a lot of contingencies being fulfilled, so this is a situation to monitor.
