Danilo Gallinari, Steven Adams, and Dennis Schroder could all be on the move at any point over the next six weeks. But it sounds like Chris Paul might be in Oklahoma City to stay.
At least through the end of the season.
That’s not exactly breaking news. Oklahoma City tried moving Paul prior to the start of the season without any luck.
Their backup plan—that CP3 got off to a fantastic start while teams that needed a veteran point guard wouldn’t, thus creating a need to bring in Paul for a playoff push, hasn’t either.
As such, the consensus around the league has been that Paul would remain a part of the Thunder through the 2019-20 season, primarily because his contract is just too big for another team to take on.
Adrian Wojnarowski all but confirmed that during an ESPN special alongside Zach Lowe on Sunday, where he said it’s fairly certain that Paul will finish the season with the Thunder.
“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.”
The sticking point is that Paul is in only the second year of a four-year, $160 million dollar deal. He’s getting $38 million this season, with that figure set to increase in 2020-21. Coupled with his age and injuries in recent years and it’s a tough sell.
The plus side for the Thunder is that despite trading away Russell Westbrook and Paul George for a younger, more experienced roster, the team is still contending for a playoff spot in the West.
Oklahoma City has dropped a lot of close games, and if they start finding a way to win them consistently they could reasonably have a chance to play in the postseason.