Talks of Chris Paul's potential return to Los Angeles, specifically with the Los Angeles Clippers, have escalated after the guard was traded from the Phoenix Suns to the Washington Wizards on Sunday, with Bleacher Report's Chris Haynes expecting he will be turned around in short order.
BREAKING: The Washington Wizards are trading three-time All-Star Bradley Beal to the Phoenix Suns for Chris Paul, Landry Shamet, a handful of second-round picks, and multiple pick swaps, league sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 18, 2023
The Washington Wizards are likely to reroute Chris Paul in a trade and the Los Angeles Clippers are expected to pursue a reunion with the future Hall of Famer, league sources tell @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) June 18, 2023
Paul has been rumored as a trade candidate for weeks after the Suns' disappointing postseason run and has been linked to Los Angeles on two fronts, as both the Lakers and Clippers have questions at the point guard position.
The Clippers appear more interested in Paul and have the assets to complete a deal without drastically changing their current team.
The Clippers would need to send out $22.6M to match for Chris Paul.
— Yossi Gozlan (@YossiGozlan) June 18, 2023
They have plenty of ways to get there with a combination of Eric Gordon, Marcus Morris, and Robert Covington, among others. https://t.co/DndGEC3zGx
The Clippers' latest starting point guard – and impending free agent – Russell Westbrook is arguably better than Paul. But because of new CBA policies, he might be out of the team's price range this offseason – thus making Paul desirable via trade.
‘HOMETOWN DISCOUNT’: The Los Angeles Clippers will try to re-sign Russell Westbrook to a 1-year, $3.8 Million deal, according to @EricPincus of Bleacher Report.
— NBA Buzz (@OfficialNBABuzz) June 18, 2023
Westbrook with Clippers in 2022-23 (21 GP):
15.8 PPG, 7.6 APG, 4.9 RPG, 1.1 SPG, 48.9 FG%, 35.6 3P%
Westbrook… pic.twitter.com/e6l9pvFKk0
It should be noted that Michael Winger, the new Wizards president of basketball operations, was a part of the Clippers brass just weeks ago. If Paul is to be traded to the Clippers, Winger will be working with his former employer.
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