Right now, the LA Clippers are not worried about how they are or will be regarded in relation to the bitter, unforgettable chapter with Chris Paul. They just want his trade to happen quickly, and if they are wise, Paul’s minimum salary will make it a piece of cake to get him off the roster.
In fact, Paul is making just above a fully guaranteed three million dollars this season. Thus, what team needing a point guard would not want an inexpensive player with veteran leadership, proven in his ending in LA, 12 all-star appearances, and motivation to assist on the court?
That said, the Clippers need to play their cards right. This means accepting every phone call, not asking for an unreasonable return, and being that trade partner that is easy to work with. Each factor will play a role in shipping Paul off right away, as he is officially cleared to be traded per the NBA’s rules and restrictions.
Chris Paul ultimately created his own market in terms of salary
In the offseason, Chris Paul’s only choice of pay was not the veteran minimum the LA Clippers gave him. He was coveted by the Dallas Mavericks, Milwaukee Bucks, Charlotte Hornets, and Phoenix Suns.
It is unknown, yet hard to believe, that none of these teams could have offered more to a guard like Paul, who carried hall-of-fame credentials and averaged exceptional numbers in 82 starts for the San Antonio Spurs.
However, Paul settled for the lowest offer on the table. He wanted LA and only LA, as Milwaukee, Charlotte, and Dallas were too many miles away from home. Phoenix was the next closest, yet the travel from state to state would have still been out of the way and inconvenient.
Moreover, the Clippers were forced to give Paul a minimum because that was what remained in their offseason of veteran pursuits. The mid-level exception was fully used, and they already had superstars on high-end to maximum contracts, so because his desire to be home was extensive, the least lucrative option was the perfect choice.
Now, Paul’s $3 million salary will be the primary reason why a likely trade will happen before the New Year. He ultimately made it easy for himself to move from team to team, yet did not know it, as in the summer, he thought sunshine would be there with the Clippers, not a dark, rainy storm.