If Chris Paul is traded and bought out, would he consider signing with Timberwolves?
Can you imagine a Wolves 1-2 punch at point guard of Mike Conley and Chris Paul?
Sure, Paul was accused of playing dirty when he allegedly dove into Conley's legs during a game in San Francisco earlier this season, but there is a chance that Paul finds himself without a team in the coming weeks. Say what?
The idea was presented on SKOR North's Mackey & Judd show by longtime Twin Cities sports insider Darren Wolfson. He was by no means reporting the Timberwolves have interest in Paul, but he brought up the idea that Minnesota could be a destination team for players who get traded before the Feb. 8 deadline and then get bought out by their new team.
"I'm just saying, is it possible, where the Wolves are No. 1 in the Western Conference since Nov. 18 ... could we actually talk about the Wolves being a potential destination on the buyout market?" Wolfson said.
Paul is on the last year of his contract and if the Warriors trade him it's possible that Paul's contract gets bought out, making him a free agent.
It would be very similar to what happened last season with Russell Westbrook, when he was dealt to Utah in the blockbuster that brought Conley to Minnesota and sent D'Angelo Russell to the Lakers. Westbrook was immediately bought out by the Jazz and that allowed him to sign with the Clippers.
Complicating the situation is Paul's fractured hand, which could keep him out past the Feb. 8 trade deadline, though The Athletic's Marcus Thompson II has reported that the injury won't impact his trade value. What's more is that Thompson believes that Paul being bought out if he's traded is the most likely scenario.
"If the Warriors do decide to trade him, the most likely scenario would be to a team looking to dump salary. That team could then work on a buyout, allowing Paul to be a free agent and sign where he wants," Thompson wrote.
Acquiring Paul would be a huge upgrade at backup point guard for Minnesota. Of course, Paul would have his pick of the litter if he becomes a free agent, and he'd likely go where he believes he has the best chance of winning a championship for the first time in his career.
Nov 12, 2023; San Francisco, California, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley (10) fouls Golden State Warriors guard Chris Paul (3) as he dives for the loose ball during the fourth quarter at Chase Center.
Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
