Warriors and Chris Paul push back guarantee date

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Chris Paul has agreed to return his contract guarantee date. The Golden State Warriors have until Sunday (June 30) to waive or trade the veteran guard. If Paul remains on Golden State’s roster beyond his guarantee date, he will be due the full $30 million in the final year of his current contract. 

Golden State has widely been expected to waive Paul ahead of free agency. Joe Lacob has previously spoken of his desire for the Warriors to avoid the luxury tax, and getting Paul’s significant salary off the books would be a big step toward that goal.

Of course, if the Warriors can find a willing trade partner, it would make sense to try and acquire some assets in a potential deal. Furthermore, Mike Dunleavy hasn’t ruled out the option of keeping Paul around for the 2024-25 season as the Warriors look to bounce back from a difficult season.

ESPN Sources: Golden State and Chris Paul intend to move back the date to guarantee the $30 million on his 2024-2025 contract to the start of free agency on Sunday. Deadline was originally today. This gives Warriors time to keep exploring trades.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 28, 2024

Paul played in 58 games for Golden State last season, averaging 9.2 points, 3.9 rebounds and 6.8 assists. He shot 44.1% from the field and 37.1% from three-point range. If he does leave the Warriors, he is likely to join another contender as he continues to chase a championship before calling time on his career.

Fortunately for Paul and Warriors fans, there isn’t much longer to wait before we find out what his next steps will be.