Los Angeles Lakers: Why a Chris Paul trade is not going to happen

By Jason Reed | Oct 15, 2020

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: Chris Paul #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder handles the ball on offense against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first quarter at HP Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 05, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

3. The return is not all that great for the Oklahoma City Thunder

It takes two to tango in every single trade and I do not think that this is a trade that the Oklahoma City Thunder would necessarily love. Now, it is easy to make the case for the Thunder, so let’s look at it that way.

In an essence, this is simply a salary dump trade for the Thunder, which is what the team was seemingly originally expecting to get when they first acquired Paul. They get one young piece in Kuzma, perhaps a draft pick and a lot of cap space moving forward.

Cap space is important.

However, after seeing how good Paul played last season, I cannot help but think there won’t be at least one desperate team that just takes the risk and trades for him, offering either better draft capital or a better young piece.

If we get to the trade deadline and he is still on the Thunder then a trade like this is absolutely enough. However, I just find it hard-pressed that the Thunder won’t get more than a league-average power forward and a very late first-round pick for Paul. Other teams can offer better assets and still provide a salary-dump.

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I could be wrong, but I simply do not think this is a trade that the Thunder would be happy taking for Chris Paul. Maybe as time goes on, but not during the offseason.

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