Trust or Trade: Predicting the fates of 5 at-risk Golden State Warriors
By Cal Durrett
Trade: Chris Paul
When healthy, future Hall of Famer Chris Paul has mostly looked great for the Warriors this season. That being said, his nearly $30 million expiring contract is too good of an opportunity for them to squander since it would allow them to easily match salaries in a trade for a star while giving the other team the opportunity to dramatically cut costs.
In fact, the Warriors did just that by acquiring Paul this past summer in a deal that sent former Warrior Jordan Poole to the Washington Wizards, where he has struggled. With Paul in what is likely to be his final season in the NBA, trading him could help the Warriors going forward, though it would add to their massive team salary and likely push them even deeper into the second apron.
One possible option could be Chicago Bulls star Zach LaVine, who, while talented, is on an expensive contract that will pay him $140 million over the next three seasons. His contract is so bad, in fact, that the Bulls are reportedly struggling to trade him.
That being the case, Golden State could swap Paul and Gary Payton II for LaVine. That would give Golden State more firepower. As a result, Paul seems likely to be moved before this year's deadline.