NBA Rumors: Emerging young team could be surprise suitor for Chris Paul

NBA Rumors: An emerging young team in the Western Conference could be a surprise suitor for Chris Paul if he hits free agency.

The Phoenix Suns made waves earlier this week when it was (perhaps somewhat prematurely) reported that they were planning on waiving Chris Paul. It has not yet happened and the two sides appear to still be working through some scenarios, but there’s a very real possibility that Paul ends up on the free-agent market this offseason.

If that does end up coming to fruition, the expectation is that Paul would be interested in signing with a contender. At this point in his career, at the age of 38, Paul has to be all-in on trying to win a title before he retires. However, it may not be as simple as that.

According to The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor, there are three teams to keep an eye out for when it comes to potential Paul suitors, in the event that he would hit the open market in free agency. Two of them are expected, the Los Angeles Lakers and LA Clippers. However, the third team that was mentioned was a bit of a surprise – the San Antonio Spurs.

How would Chris Paul fit on the San Antonio Spurs?

While it may be a bit surprising to see the Spurs on the list of potential suitors for Chris Paul, it would certainly be an intriguing development. San Antonio’s roster is a lot closer to being a playoff team than many realize. Especially with Victor Wembanyama coming on board this season.

The Spurs have already a solid young core with Keldon Johnson, Devin Vassell, and Jeremy Sochan. Wemby is going to be a welcomed addition as a possible superstar (whenever that comes) on this roster but there are other reasons on this roster to believe that the Spurs could make a realistic run as a playoff team as soon as next season.

And the addition of a veteran player such as Paul could go a long way in helping solidify their chances.

Paul could be a calming veteran presence on the team that is missing at the moment and you can bet that some of the potential lure of San Antonio for Paul, if this is indeed the case, can also be linked to Gregg Popovich.

Is it likely that Paul ends up signing with the Spurs, probably not. But they should not be counted out as a potential dark horse threat.