The belief is the Bradley Beal blockbuster trade is not yet official because the Washington Wizards expect to reroute Chris Paul to another team. Washington is acquiring the 12-time All-Star as part of its return package for Beal. The Los Angeles Clippers and Lakers are two teams possibly interested in Paul.
However, don’t count out the Wizards holding on to Paul heading into next season. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Wizards still imagine Paul playing for them.
“Washington can imagine a world where they would like Chris Paul to be their point guard this [upcoming] season,” Wojnarowski said on Sportscenter. “They’re not trying to be really bad. They may bring back Kyle Kuzma and Kristaps Porzingis if both become free agents or opt-in, signed to an extension or have them in their last years of a deal.”
Conversations between Paul and the Wizards may occur if the Beal trade gets finalized without rerouting Paul. Offloading Beal seemingly signaled a total rebuild. But that may not be the case, at least not to start next season.
Kyle Kuzma and Kristaps Porzingis may be in the Wizards’ uniforms next season. Both players have until June 29 to opt-in or decline options for the 2023-24 season.
Paul has two years remaining on his contract. His $30.8 million salary for next season becomes fully guaranteed on June 28. At 38 years old Paul is seeking to win his first NBA championship that’s eluded him throughout his stellar career.
It makes more sense for Paul to prefer playing for a bonafide contender. But if a trade doesn’t manifest, the Wizards “are in no hurry” to discuss a potential buyout, Woj added.
