In a significant roster shake-up for the Golden State Warriors, the team has decided to waive veteran guard Chris Paul. This move comes after the Warriors rejected a trade offer from the Chicago Bulls that would have involved a swap of Chris Paul for either Zach LaVine or Andrew Wiggins.
According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, "I was told that the Chicago Bulls were trying to get something going with the Golden State Warriors, trying to get a Zach LaVine package together." He further elaborated, "What I was told: It could have been Zach LaVine for Chris Paul or Andrew Wiggins." Despite these discussions, the Warriors opted not to pursue the deal, resulting in Paul moving to unrestricted free agency.
Paul's Transition
In an effort to facilitate a potential trade, Chris Paul agreed to push his guarantee date back from Friday to Sunday. However, when the trade talks lingered without resolution, Paul declined to extend this date further. As a result, the Warriors decided to release him, and Paul is now an unrestricted free agent, open to signing with any team willing to offer a suitable contract.
Warriors' Strategic Decisions
Golden State's decision to pass on acquiring either LaVine or Wiggins appears to be financially motivated. Zach LaVine, a former All-Star who has seen a dip in performance since his appearances in the 2021 and 2022 All-Star Games, recently underwent foot surgery. His future earnings will balloon to nearly $50 million in the 2026-27 season, a figure that likely played a significant role in Golden State's reluctance to proceed with the trade.
Similarly, the Warriors considered the financial implications of retaining Andrew Wiggins, whose contract extends to the 2026-27 season, with earnings set to reach about $30 million in its final year. Weighing both financial commitments, the Warriors ultimately chose to keep Wiggins, bolstering their core roster while avoiding a hefty luxury tax burden.
The decision to cut ties with Chris Paul has also left Golden State well under the luxury-tax threshold, providing the team with financial flexibility. This newfound cap space opens up the possibility for the Warriors to make a competitive offer to Klay Thompson, ensuring they retain one of their key players and long-time fixtures in the team's success.
Team Roster Moving Forward
General Manager Mike Dunleavy personally communicated the decision to Chris Paul, marking a professional end to Paul's brief stint with the Warriors. This move allows Andrew Wiggins to remain integral to the Warriors' lineup, while Zach LaVine stays with the Bulls, potentially giving him more time to recover from his recent surgery and bounce back to All-Star form.
The Warriors' front office now looks towards the upcoming season with a more defined roster and financial clarity, setting the stage for further strategic moves. While the departure of Chris Paul marks the end of an era, it also signals a new beginning for a team committed to maintaining its competitive edge in the ever-turbulent landscape of the NBA.