Chris Paul has seemingly found a home over in Oklahoma City, but some still believe that the veteran NBA star could move out this summer. The 34-year-old point guard has proven critics wrong this season, finding ways to stay healthy and play at a level that is making the Thunder look good.
Most know how he was unceremoniously dealt by the Houston Rockets to the Thunder for Russell Westbrook last summer. It appeared he and James Harden were not able to get along, but none of that has hampered the 6-foot-1 guard's performance this 2019-20 NBA season. In 54 games this season, the 10-time NBA All-Star has averaged 17.4 points, 5.0 rebounds and 6.7 assists per Basketball-Reference.com. His efforts have helped the Thunder compile a 33-22 win-loss card, sixth in the NBA Eastern Conference.
But beyond the numbers, it is Paul's longevity of play is a noticeable season. Considering he has been hounded by injuries the past seasons, he has managed to avoid the injury bug. But at his age, most know that CP3 is nearing the crossroads of his career. And on glaring thing missing from his basketball resume is an NBA title.
However, moving Paul out of OKC will not be that easy. He is only in the second year of a massive $159.7 million contract he signed with the Rockets during the 2018-19 NBA season. It was seen as the big obstacle that prevented teams like the Miami Heat from signing him.
So far, all has been quiet for Paul and the Thunder, although some critics feel rumblings could come up this summer. CP3 could still end up moving again in the summer, although doing so will not be easy. Preston Ellis of the Bleacher Report feels that a sign-and-trade deal could happen. However, Thunder general manager Sam Presti and Paul's camp need to carefully work on that if a trade is on the table.
As far as the Heat is concerned, getting Paul could still happen if they bunch up some of their high-priced players in exchange for the 2006 NBA Rookie of the Year. Guys like Goran Dragic and Kelly Olynyk were widely believed to be on the move in the last NBA trade deadline. However, plans could be revisited in the summer plus more underperforming players or future assets. But will team president Pat Riley invest that heavily on a 34-year-old cager instead of another young star?
