Following the devastating news that Victor Wembanyama will miss the remainder of the season, things in the league have changed drastically. Before the injury, Wemby was a clear favorite to win the Defensive Player of the Year Award. He is now ineligible to win any award or make any All-NBA teams. His injury will impact the San Antonio Spurs and how they approach the upcoming draft. What does that mean for Chris Paul? Will he look for a buyout now that the Spurs are seemingly out of contention?
Chris Paul Becomes Buyout Favorite
Chris Paul is a veteran presence for the young Spurs team. After they traded for De’Aaron Fox, the Spurs have plenty of guards on their roster. After the injury to Wembanyama, they are no longer likely to be in the playoff mix and might negotiate a contract buyout with Paul.
Paul will turn 40 years old in May. This might be his last chance for a playoff push and his first ring. He has not given any indication that he wants to leave San Antonio. And let’s be honest, moving in the middle of the season is not something anyone wants to do.
In a limited role, CP3 is still very useful. This year, he has yet to miss a game so far. In 29 minutes of action, he is averaging 9.2 points, four rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game while shooting 41.4% from the floor and 35.9% from three-point range.
Chris Paul Holds the Cards For A Buyout
Paul is a 20-year veteran in this league, and he is well-respected in every circle. The Spurs will surely not buy him out unless he asks for them to do so. At the same time, the Spurs are a classy organization that will not hold him hostage if he wants to leave and try to play meaningful, playoff games at the end of his career. Everything CP3 has said since coming to San Antonio shows he likes being there.
Two Teams to Watch
If Paul wants to play in the playoffs this season, he has to get waived by March 1. That is the deadline for players to switch teams and be eligible for the playoffs. Looking at the playoff picture, two teams emerge as clear favorites to get him if he secures a buyout. Those are the Houston Rockets and Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Thunder need a good backup point guard who can run their offense when Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sits for 10 to 15 minutes per game. They are a young team that has all the makings to make a big push this playoffs. CP3 has already played in OKC. During his first stint in Oklahoma City, SGA blossomed under Paul’s mentorship. He can now come back and finish his training, Yoda-style.
The Houston Rockets are another team worth watching. They also play in Texas, so CP3 will not have to move far. The Rockets are a grind-it-out team, hard-nosed, and very much in line with Paul’s character. The organization has said they want to see where this group goes, but adding a small piece like Paul at a low price could be a great move. His experience will do wonders for them in the playoffs.
Photo credit: © Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
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