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OKC Thunder: Everyone was wrong about Chris Paul’s contract

By Tamberlyn Richardson

MARCH 08: Chris Paul #3 of the OKC Thunder looks on after the game against the Boston Celtics. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images)
MARCH 08: Chris Paul #3 of the OKC Thunder looks on after the game against the Boston Celtics. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images) /
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JANUARY 22: Chris Paul #3 and Luguentz Dort #5 of the OKC Thunder talk during the game against the Orlando Magic (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Tradeable Contract:

At the time of the trade, Paul was seen as an aging veteran on an albatross salary. It was thought he couldn’t stay healthy and there were whispers of him being a lockerroom cancer. Everyone believed his contract couldn’t be moved without attaching several assets and picks to it.

Instead, Paul has rewritten his narrative and his standing in the Association. As outlined above he’s built a solid case for his renaissance shift this season. By the time the trade deadline arrived in early February, there were already those suggesting it would be unwise to trade Paul given the season the Thunder were having.

Moreover, the original views that Presti would need to give up a number of those draft picks he accumulated had switched to – if you want Chris Paul you’ll need to make it worth our while to consider trading him.

There are two years remaining on his contract:

2020-21: $41,358,814
2021-22: $44,211,146 (player option)

That is a huge outlay of money for any player especially one who will turn 35 on May 6th, 2020. But his contract can’t be viewed without considering several factors.

Wise investment:

  • Paul’s retooled body and adoption of a plant-based diet show his commitment to extending his career and keeping his skill set sharp.
  • His mind is unparalleled in the league. The fact he and Kyle Lowry (another intelligent player) were arguably the most effective players on the court at the end of the All-Star Game with the league’s best on the court speaks to that fact.
  •  Like Charles Barkley repeatedly says – “Chris Paul is the best leader in the game!”
  • He affects winning as his clutch time prowess demonstrates
  • And while the league shifts to 3-ball he continues to demonstrate hitting from mid-range with an impressive efficiency is far more valuable than hoisting 3-pointers at a sub-par efficiency.
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