Bradley Beal trade swings door wide open for Chris Paul to join Lakers

Massive NBA news dropped on Father’s Day as the Phoenix Suns made another blockbuster trade just months after trading for Kevin Durant. Phoenix traded Chris Paul, Landry Shamet, several second-round picks and a “handful” of pick swaps for Bradley Beal. Despite not being involved, this trade could have huge implications for the Los Angeles Lakers.

Paul was traded to the Wizards but it is very improbable that he ever plays a game for Washington. The Wizards get financial freedom from Beal’s multi-year contract and history indicates that they will work on a buyout for Paul.

This would give CP3 the chance to sign with any team in the league. By being traded, Paul’s entire $30.8 million salary became guaranteed, so he likely won’t be hunting for the highest bidder in free agency. Instead, other factors — such as his chase for a championship ring as well as his personal life — will dictate his decision.

All signs are pointing to the Lakers signing Chris Paul.

UPDATE: Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes reported that the Wizards are likely to reroute Chris Paul via trade and that the Los Angeles Clippers are interested. 

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski already outlined that the two Los Angeles teams would be the favorites to sign Paul if he were to be bought out. Paul lives in Los Angeles in the offseason and likely does not want to uproot his family and play on the East Coast.

Plus, Paul is notably a very good friend of LeBron James and the two have never played on an NBA team together. This is the last real chance for the two to play together so like Carmelo Anthony two seasons ago, we could see two members of the Banana Boat Crew in LA.

It makes sense basketball-wise as well. LeBron and Paul both dominate the ball and that might take some adjusting in the postseason. However, in the regular season, it would benefit both veteran players to equally take some of that playmaking workload off of each other.

It would also help shore up the guard depth for Los Angeles without costing much. The Lakers could theoretically sign Paul on a veteran minimum or with the bi-annual exception. As long as the team can add a guard who shoots (whether that be D’Angelo Russell or someone else) then the guard position will be solved.

It might not be prime CP3 but it isn’t often that a team can add a veteran like him for a cheap cost. Paul still has plenty to offer with his basketball IQ and smart playmaking. He is a far better option than any other veteran minimum or bi-annual option.