Could Gregg Popovich’s San Antonio Spurs Trade For Golden State Warriors' Chris Paul?
Golden State Warriors point guard Chris Paul takes no prisoners, suffers no fools and is "there to win."
Those are the characteristics of the long-time NBA veteran as given to him by San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich. It's high praise, yes, but it's also deserved. The pair have had a long history in the league, even being paired up for the 2013 All-Star Game. But even more than that, Paul is currently in his 19th season — just eight years shorter than Popovich's head-coaching tenure — making the pair quite familiar with one another on the court.
Safe to say, Paul remembers it vividly.
“I think I have played against San Antonio more than any other team my whole career,” the point guard said. “I’ve played them in the playoffs a number of times. I was in that division for most of my career. Pop, man, we got a great relationship. ... He just does the work.”
Feb 16, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Western Conference head coach Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs talks with guard Chris Paul (3) of the Los Angeles Clippers during practice for the 2013 NBA All-Star game at the George R. Brown Convention Center.
© Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
As many times as they've faced off against each other, it makes sense that Popovich knows Paul's playing style about as well as Paul knows his coaching style. Even Monty Williams — the Phoenix Suns' coach during Paul's tenure there — worked under Popovich for a brief period of time at the beginning of his career. The veteran Spurs coach has left his impact on countless figures throughout the league.
But what if he could take it a step further, specifically in regards to Paul?
The idea of pairing Paul with new Spurs frontman Victor Wembanyama was one tossed around prior to the season. It was almost a dream scenario. A 7-4 power forward who towers over defenders and constantly calls for lobs at the rim combined with a point guard so good at facilitating that he's earned a religious moniker — "Point God" — does seem to be a match made in heaven. But it wasn't that easy.
San Antonio would have to cross multiple fences to make a Paul deal happen. First, it'd have to convince the veteran to be apart of a newly-established "rebuild" — though the Spurs' effort does have much higher potential than the average squad fresh off of a No. 1 pick — and second, it'd have to part ways with core pieces.
It might have been an easier task in the offseason, especially with Paul having no team and by proxy, no leverage. But now that he's with Golden State, the Warriors have the right to demand what they deem a fair payback.
Here's what that could look like, according to si.com's Fastbreak.
SAS receives: Chris Paul, Cory Joseph
GSW receives: Devonte' Graham, Zach Collins, Doug McDermott
There'd likely be picks involved — especially on San Antonio's side — in a potential deal for Paul as well, but the framework is centered around the veteran. It's not a cheap price for the young Spurs, but for what they'd be adding, it makes sense.
Just ask Popovich.
"Chris is an alpha," he said prior to the season. "He’s a natural leader. He takes no prisoners. He suffers no fools. He’s there to win. If a young player can understand what Chris Paul can give them, it’s a huge boon to his career."
San Antonio would be losing a sharpshooter from deep, a true rotational center who's proven himself at the 5-spot and a strong-scoring veteran with a deal, and while that's nothing firm, any deal surrounding Paul would require a similar return for Golden State. Whether or not it's worth it is another question.
Jeremy Sochan is still learning the ropes as a makeshift point guard, but as time goes on, the likelihood of him becoming a true bona fide facilitator — complete with little turnovers and high assist totals — is waning. Yes, it's possible and yes, the Spurs should continue trying to make it work. With Tre Jones as his backup, things truthfully get that much better if the Spurs were to pivot their approach.
Paul would certainly change things. He'd bring out a different side of Wembanyama by giving him the ball in tight windows and setting up an offense to run around him. He'd get to learn under Popovich and be a mentor to the rest of San Antonio's roster as its new resident "old guy."
The same issues apply as before, however. Paul would have to buy into the system and truly want to take on that role. It's enticing, especially as he tail-ends his career, but at the same time, he's already in a strong position next to Steph Curry and Klay Thompson. The Warriors aren't out of the playoff race — not by any means — and he could certainly be gearing up for a title chase, still having yet to win a ring.
Those things he can't find with the Spurs. Not right away anyways. But with an already-existing relationship with Popovich and a chance to develop one of the NBA's brightest young talents, it's something to consider. For both sides.
But only time will tell for that.
