NBA trade rumors percolate with 5 big names allegedly on block right now

PG Chris Paul, Oklahoma City Thunder

Pretty much since the moment the Oklahoma City Thunder acquired Chris Paul from the Houston Rockets, it was assumed that his time with the team would be short. The rebuilding Thunder didn’t need an aging point guard, especially at the price of nearly $40 million per year.

So it makes sense that the Thunder are doing their best to find a new home for CP3.

The obvious problem is finding a suitor willing to give up future assets for a player who’s passed his prime and his extremely overpaid. Not many teams want to take on that massive salary, while giving up young talent or draft picks in the process. Hence, Paul remains in Oklahoma City for the time being.

Here’s some more feedback on Paul’s situation, courtesy of ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski:

"There is no belief in Oklahoma City or even the CP3 camp that there’s going to be a trade for him. After the season, another year off that giant contract? Maybe. He’s played well for them. Forty million dollars plus, they’re resigned that he’ll be there."

It’s not ideal for the Thunder, but it is the reality of the situation. Regardless, that doesn’t mean they won’t listen if someone shows interest in dealing for CP3. The only problem is that no one is calling, and that likely won’t change anytime before the 2020 NBA trade deadline.