The Golden State Warriors have a decision to make on Chris Paul's non-guaranteed $30M salary for next season. It seems the Warriors would prefer to use Paul's expiring deal in a trade that brings back a more useful piece, but it remains to be seen if such a deal is out there.
Whether Paul is dealt somewhere or released by Golden State, it is reasonable to assume he will hit free agency at some point this summer. If the 12-time All-Star is dealt somewhere with little need for him, it would be easy for Paul and that team to go their separate ways, paving the way for him to hit free agency and sign with a team of his choosing.
For the Clippers, their point guard situation will become more clear once Russell Westbrook makes a decision on his $4M player option.Joey Linn is a credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation. Covering the LA Clippers independently in 2018, then for Fansided and 213Hoops from 2019-2021, Joey joined Sports Illustrated's FanNation to cover the Clippers after the 2020-21 season.