NBA Trade Rumors: Kawhi Trying To Lure Chris Paul Back To LA Clippers

The Los Angeles Clippers are expected to explore the market for a veteran guard and the name of Chris Paul has unsurprisingly been mentioned.

After a disappointing finish to their 2019-20 NBA season, the Clips are trying to fill holes, and the point guard position is one of them.

Though Patrick Beverly did a decent job for the Clippers, it remains that his effort was not enough.

Unless the Clips decide to trade him, he will still be on board until the 2021-22 season. He is set to make $13 million this coming season and a final $14.3 million the season after per Spotrac.

But his stint could depend on how much budget the Clippers will need. If it is true that Los Angeles is interested in CP3, some players may have to be moved.

Beverly could be part of that for the Clippers to properly do the match. Paul is still owed roughly $41.3 million this season and another $44.2 million for the 2021-22 season.

After showing everyone that he can still play despite his age, several teams have once again taken notice of the 35-year-old All-Star. But as detailed earlier, that hefty $85 million remainder of his contract is a bane for any NBA club.

There are some potential scenarios as mentioned on the Ryen Russillo podcast. That includes a buyout with the OKC Thunder, something that is unlikely to happen. It may all boil down to the figures involved.

The only thing that can be established for now is that the Clippers are among the teams interested in the 6-foot-1 guard. Previously, it was the Phoenix Suns linked to Paul.

Unlike the Clippers, the Suns do have more cap space to spare. Phoenix has over $20 million in salary-cap space, ESPN reported.

On the part of the Clippers, Russillo also mentioned how Kawhi Leonard is also pushing for Paul to join them in Los Angeles.

Hence, this only shows that the Clippers are determined to bring back Paul into the fray.

Paul played for the Clippers from 2011 to 2017 before he was traded to the Houston Rockets for Beverley, Sam Dekker, Montrezl Harrell, Darrun Hilliard, DeAndre Liggins, Lou Williams, Kyle Wiltjer, a future first-round pick, and cash considerations on June 28, 2017, NBA.com reported.

Though a return to the Clippers would be something, it will not be easy. Paul's price tag stands in the way, meaning it will take much to consummate this deal.