The longer Chris Paul remains an Oklahoma City Thunder commodity, the more likely it seems he’s going to stay with the team.
When the Thunder traded Russell Westbrook to the Houston Rockets, they not only acquired additional future draft picks, Oklahoma City was also able to get a contract which expired a year before Westbrook’s. However, Paul’s presence on the roster doesn’t necessarily help the rebuilding process, nor does his $38.5 million 2019-20 salary help Oklahoma City’s pursuit to get below the luxury tax.
Multiple reports indicate the Thunder are working to move Paul elsewhere. The Miami Heat have been mentioned most throughout the process, though they’re handling discussions differently than the talks they had about Westbrook.
Based on the report from Basketball Insiders’ Steve Kyler, the Heat, or anyone else remotely interested in Paul, have the advantage in trade negotiations. Kyler reports multiple general managers around the league indicated “there is almost no appetite for the final year” of Paul’s deal.
Paul, 34, is set to make $41.4 million in 2020-21 and $44.2 in 2021-22, the final year of his contract. He also has an option in 2021.
