Getty Image / Mike Stobe
When Chris Paul was dealt to Oklahoma City from Houston for Russell Westbrook and some swapped picks this summer it was a bit of a head-scratcher. It was certainly the most surprising move of the offseason with Paul going to a squad that was expected to be toward the bottom of the NBA standings, but that hasn’t been the case, this Thunder team continues to win.
The biggest reason why this Thunder team has surprised everyone and sits at 27-19 on the year is that Paul has truly embraced his new team and situation. With Paul George and Westbrook being dealt away from the Thunder it could have been easy for Paul and this Thunder team to essentially pack it in this season and essentially tank, but they have different plans in mind.
It would not be a surprise to anyone to see Paul get dealt fro Oklahoma City before the NBA trade deadline, but with this Thunder team winning and sitting 7th in the Western Conference it doesn’t look like that’s going to be the case. Plus, if you ask Paul whether he’ll waive his $44 million contract option which would make him a much more desirable trade target for a possible contender, he told Sports Illustrated there’s ‘no chance, not happening, nope.’
Chris Paul says there is "no chance" he will waive the final year of his contract ($44.2 million option for 2021–22) even if it meant he could be traded to a championship contender.
CP3 keeping it 💯 #CashIsKing pic.twitter.com/e8dnI1kV0a
— PBA insider 🏀 (@PBAinsider) January 22, 2020
On one hand, it’s admirable that Paul very clearly wants to stay with this Thunder team and try to build something special as the leader of this franchise. On the other hand, why the hell would he waive his contract option?
This is a 34-year-old point guard we’re talking about that is owed $41.3 million next season and has a $44.2 million player option the following year that he will obviously pick up. Teams will not want to be on the hook to pay a 36-year-old $44.2 million.
Add that to the fact that he’s the head of the NBA Player’s Union and was the man in charge of changing the over-36 rule and there are basically two sides to this situation, clearly.
Paul is winning and proving doubters wrong as a veteran point guard on a not so flashy roster in Oklahoma City plus he’s due to have massive paydays over the next couple of seasons. It’s certainly a win-win situation for CP3.