4. Chris Paul
The Warriors boldly traded for Chris Paul this offseason but fitting him in may take time. Head coach Steve Kerr has a massive decision on his hands during training camp. Does he try to convince CP3 to come off the bench for the first time in his career or do the Dubs break up arguably the best starting lineup in basketball last season?
Playing Stephen Curry and Paul in the backcourt together will create defensive issues, but they can work it out.
It takes two willing sides, though. Paul already made some testy comments about coming off the bench. Is he on board with being the Dubs’ sixth man if that is what is best for the team? If not, the Warriors could look to trade CP3 before the deadline for someone who improves their title odds.
Swapping Tobias Harris for Chris Paul could be beneficial for both sides. The Warriors get some size and scoring to add to their vaunted small ball lineup with Draymond Green at the five as Philadelphia picks up James Harden’s replacement.
Paul is set to make $30.8 million this season and has a fully non-guaranteed $30 million salary for the 2024-25 campaign. This gives the Philadelphia 76ers the option to keep their cap space open next summer or bring back CP3 for another run. Could Daryl Morey trade for Chris Paul again? Bad blood or not, it could happen.