Heat Open To Signing Guard, Want More Compensation: Report

Chris Paul was a key part of the blockbuster trade that took Russell Westbrook from Oklahoma City Thunder to Houston Rockets this summer with the point guard moving in the opposite direction. But the nine-time All-Star currently finds himself in a bit of a no man’s land as Thunder are in the midst of beginning a rebuild while the veteran is keen on competing for a championship.

The Oklahoma franchise are open to trading the 34-year-old point guard and Miami Heat are said to be keen to acquire Paul, who will add value to their squad after they acquired Jimmy Butler in the summer. However, the two franchises are at an impasse as to the deal with both teams unwilling to make a compromise and Miami aren’t expecting to move forward anytime soon, according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.

Paul will be owed $38.5 million in salary this upcoming campaign and Thunder believe they are giving up a valuable piece and hence do not see the need to add further compensation to the deal. Meanwhile, Heat believe they are doing thunder a favor by acquiring the point guard and his hefty wages and are looking for another asset – their 2021 Draft pick which Thunder received as part of the deal that saw Paul George join Los Angeles Clippers - as part of deal.

“Big difference in how OKC&Heat view Paul trade, and why Heat isn't expecting it to materialize, at this point. OKC thinks it's giving Heat great asset & shouldn't need to entice Miami. Miami greatly respects Paul but feels like it's doing OKC favor (taking big $) &should be compensated,” Jackson wrote.

Miami are among a few teams that can accommodate Paul’s hefty salary for the upcoming season by unloading Goran Dragic and a number of veterans but they are unlikely to make a move without getting more than just the veteran point guard. And with Thunder unlikely to make the compromise, it looks like Paul will start the season in Oklahoma.

Thunder are said to be open to retaining Paul and giving him regular game time, and positive performances from the point guard will only increase in value. The trade market is expected to pick up again after Dec. 15 when all the players that signed contracts in the summer will be eligible to be traded which could bring more teams into the race for the point guard’s services.

Moreover, the Thunder front office feel the veteran point guard could play a key role on and off court by helping the young players on the roster, mainly Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who arrived from the Clippers as part of the George trade. The team is said to view the 21-year-old as the future starting point guard.