It’s only a matter of time before dots start getting connected between Timberwolves President of Basketball Operations Gersson Rosas and former All-Star point guard Chris Paul.
They were in Houston together for three years, with Rosas in the front office when Paul was acquired in a trade with the Clippers in 2017 and retained as free agent in 2018. But it’s that 2018 free-agent contract that Rosas and the Wolves should avoid, even if Paul is available, as ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports.
Houston hoped to find third-team destination preferable to Chris Paul, but ultimately leaves it OKC to execute next step once Presti confers w/ CP3 agent Leon Rose. Miami remains possibility for Paul (3 years, $124M) — and OKC obviously has picks to incentivize deal, if needed.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 12, 2019
Before we get into this, do know that there haven’t been any reports suggesting the Wolves are interested in trading for Paul, and I’m guessing Rosas and the Wolves are well aware of all the reasons not to trade for him.
Paul, 34, still has three years and $124 million remaining on his contract. He’ll make $38 million this coming season, $41 million when he’s 35 in 2020-21 and he’ll undoubtedly take his $44 million player option for his age 36 season in 2021-22.
If you think Andrew Wiggins’ contract is bad, it’s nothing compared to the staggering amount of money owed to Paul, who oh by the way was a rookie way back in 2005-06.
Paul would be an upgrade over Jeff Teague and undoubtedly help Minnesota compete for a playoff spot. He’d also be incredible in pick-and-roll sets with Karl-Anthony Towns, not to mention be a legitimate 3-point threat.
But even the biggest Wiggins haters have to agree that his untapped potential is more valuable than the one or two good years Paul has left in the tank, especially since new leadership – Rosas, head coach Ryan Saunders and assistant coach David Vanterpool – have yet to show what they can squeeze out of Wiggins.
Any deal between the Wolves and Thunder involving Paul will likely cost Minnesota Wiggins and Jeff Teague, although the draft pick compensation probably wouldn’t be as much as it would’ve cost to get Westbrook.
If Wiggins starts playing like the All-Star he’s capable of becoming, Minnesota could surprise and be a playoff team next season. But the odds are heavily stacked in favor of the Wolves missing the playoffs and winding up with a lottery pick. That’s not a bad thing, especially since the 2020 draft is expected to be loaded with guards.
Would you rather have Chris Paul for three years and MAYBE make the playoffs or would you rather endure another year of losing and have a shot at a potential star in the NBA Draft?
