The San Antonio Spurs added Chris Paul this summer in hopes that he would be able to serve as a mentor of sorts to a very young team in desperate need of a proper point guard.
With 25 games in the books, the result has been something of a mixed bag.
San Antonio is currently 13-12 and sits 11th in the West. While Paul undoubtedly services some sort of purpose for the squad’s broader growth and maturity, he probably isn’t the best use of a Spurs roster space.
This week Paul was linked to several interesting potential NBA trades.
The first involved Damian Lillard and the Milwaukee Bucks.
As noted by Sports Illustrated’s Matt Levine, there is a scenario where San Antonio sends Paul, Devin Vassell, Jeremy Sochan, Sidy Cissoko, a 2025 first-round draft pick from the [Atlanta] Hawks, a 2026 first-round draft pick, a 2028 first-round draft pick swap, and a 2027 second-round draft pick to Milwaukee. In return, the Spurs would get Lillard.
Another potential swap would involve the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Lakers find themselves in a precarious position this season, currently holding the 8th seed in the Western Conference with a 13-11 record. Recent struggles have seen them drop 7 of their last 10 games, coinciding with LeBron James’ mysterious absence due to personal matters.
Anthony Davis has been unable to consistently shoulder the load, highlighting the team’s need for additional leadership and playmaking.
Enter Chris Paul, a potential game-changing acquisition for the purple and gold. The veteran point guard could provide the steadying presence the Lakers desperately need. His arrival would significantly reduce the playmaking burden on LeBron, allowing the superstar to focus more on scoring.
Paul’s basketball IQ and defensive acumen could also address the team’s ongoing perimeter defensive issues.
A proposed trade package for Paul would see Gabe Vincent, a 2025 Second-Rounder from the Los Angeles Clippers and a 2025 Second-Rounder sent to San Antonio.
This deal could benefit both sides. The Lakers would upgrade their backcourt by swapping the underperforming Vincent for Paul. The Spurs, in return, would receive a younger guard and future draft assets to aid their rebuilding efforts.
Warriors’ Plan To Add Jimmy Butler, LeBron James Before NBA Trade Deadline https://t.co/3aUiu4Nzzz
— Game 7 (@game7__) December 14, 2024
Paul’s potential impact extends beyond his on-court contributions. His leadership and experience could prove invaluable in guiding younger talents like Austin Reaves.
The addition of CP3 could also reignite memories of the Lakers’ storied rivalry with the Los Angeles Clippers, particularly during the “Lob City” era. Paul’s familiarity with both LA franchises adds an intriguing narrative to the city’s basketball landscape.
While cap space considerations will play a role in any potential deal, the Lakers’ front office must weigh the short-term benefits against long-term implications. Paul’s ability to elevate the team’s playoff chances this season could justify the investment, especially if it helps maximize LeBron’s remaining years at an elite level.
The Memphis Grizzlies have also been linked to a potential Paul trade in recent days. While Marcus Smart has struggled this year, he could be a better fit with the Spurs than he has been in Memphis. The Grizzlies, meanwhile, would get Paul to bolster the bench ahead of the NBA playoffs.
One way or another, it is increasingly becoming clear that Paul isn’t serving his intended purpose in San Antonio. Whether that leads to the Spurs trading him or not remains to be seen.
A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
