Report: ‘Increasing expectation’ Chris Paul will start next season with the Oklahoma City Thunder

Benyam Kidane

Report: ‘Increasing expectation’ Chris Paul will start next season with the Oklahoma City Thunder image

Despite reports that the Oklahoma City Thunder are looking to move recently-acquired point guard Chris Paul, it now appears he will still be on the roster at the beginning of the regular season, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Per Woj, discussions surrounding trading Paul “are parked” and there is an “increasing expectation” that the 34-year-old point guard will start next season in Oklahoma City.


Paul, who landed in OKC in the trade that sent Russell Westbrook to Houston was widely expected to be moved to another team as the Thunder embrace their rebuild around young point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who was acquired in the trade that sent Paul George to the Los Angeles Clippers.

The Thunder have been working with Paul's camp to find a suitable trade destination for the nine-time All-Star, however "nothing has materialised" thus far, Wojnarowski added.


Moving Paul will take some maneuvering, with $124.1 million remaining on the final three years of his contract. However, the market for Paul will likely increase after December 15, the date free agents signed this off-season can be traded.

At this point in Paul's career, moving to a contending team is the most desirable option, but as ESPN's Brian Windhorst noted on The Rich Eisen Show this week, the Thunder are remaining patient to find a suitable deal for both parties, adding that the Thunder may have to attach draft picks to move his large contract.


Paul appeared in 58 regular-season games for the Houston Rockets last season, averaging a career-low in scoring with 15.6 points per game on 41 percent shooting from the field and 35.8 percent from three, adding 8.2 assists, 4.6 rebounds and two steals.

Benyam Kidane

Benyam Kidane Photo

Benyam Kidane is a senior NBA editor and has been covering the league for The Sporting News since 2016. In his spare time you can find him watching Allen Iverson highlights on repeat.