Chris Paul cannot retire without having surpassed the second round of the NBA playoffs. The 32-year-old has a crucial decision to make this summer once he becomes an unrestricted free agent. On his horizon is a probable future with the same team he has led for the past six years, the Los Angeles Clippers. In addition, $205 million over five years is a considerable incentive that can easily encourage Paul to resign. However, there is a familiar stranger that is looming at the right moment of his career -- the San Antonio Spurs -- and the Clippers should feel threatened.
Chris Paul eyes Spurs
ESPN affirms that the San Antonio Spurs are strong candidates to at least get a meeting with Chris Paul once the NBA's free agency period kicks off on July 1. "They love him," said one source. And what's not to love about a nine time All-Star that has averaged 18.7 points, 9.9 assists, and 2.3 steals per game over his 12-year career? Paul is also considered one of the league's best leaders. Paul's tenacity and skill have lifted him above most point guards in the league for most of his career. His addition to any team would quickly make a positive difference. However, there is one team that Chris Paul could especially fit in nicely with.
The San Antonio Spurs will be knocking on Chris Paul's door this summer, and when one of the best organizations in the NBA, if not the best over the last two decades, does so, it usually gets a response.
The Spurs have not made a name for themselves by breaking the free agent market with notorious signings. They are picky and wait for the right opportunity.
Paul and the Spurs need each other
The Spurs cannot beat these Golden State Warriors without one or two key additions. And, ironically enough, the Spurs are in need of a new floor general.
Tony Parker can only be thanked for his service to the Spurs, but the 35-year-old can no longer contribute at an elite level. And if there is one team and one coach that enables veterans over the age of 30 to continue to excel in different ways, that is the San Antonio Spurs and Gregg Popovich.
Chris Paul is a master of the pick-and-roll, and that would greatly help the sluggish LaMarcus Aldridge, who desperately needs an ally who can get him the ball once he comes off the screen.
Aldridge is most comfortable when shooting mid-range jumpers. Putting the ball in Chris Paul's hands would also benefit Kawhi Leonard, who could focus on dicing every defense thrown at him once he receives the ball.
The Spurs can offer Paul $152 million over four years; thus, he would be leaving behind $53 million if he joined the Spurs. I am not sure how many people would be willing to do that. But, Chris Paul has reached a moment in his career where he has to choose between chasing an NBA championship ring or money. If there is one team that can currently guarantee that they'll be fighting to reach the finals no matter what the roster looks like, that is the San Antonio Spurs.
In addition, it does not look like the Clippers can produce better results in the near future with the way the team is configured, and the fact that they are way over the salary cap will only get worse if Blake Griffin and Chris Paul are re-signed, limiting flexibility moving forward.
