Chris Paul's desire for a championship could see him change teams in the summer
Chris Paul has enjoyed a career worthy of the Hall of Fame. He's proven himself as one of the best point guards in NBA history. However, his individual brilliance hasn't translated to a championship. At age 38, he's still searching for his first ring.
When appearing on Dwyane Wade's "The Why with Dwyane Wade" podcast, Paul revealed how he "can't even process" ending his career without being crowned a champion.
“Straight up, even though I think I’m going to win a championship before I’m done, yes absolutely. I can’t even process not winning a championship, but I love what I’ve been able to do with my career, absolutely,” Paul said. “I probably was a lot more stressed about that once upon a time, but it’s crazy how things change, life changes.”
Paul was traded to the Golden State Warriors this summer. Golden State's veteran core has won four championships together. They understand what it takes to be successful in the postseason.
Adding Paul to that veteran group made sense. Yet, the Warriors' struggles throughout the regular season have left some question marks over their chances of making it to the NBA Finals.
Golden State will likely move on from Paul in the summer if they fail to lift the Larry O'Brien Trophy this season. He has one year left on his four-year, $120 million contract. However, it's non-guaranteed.
If Paul hits the free agency market in the offseason, he will likely turn his attention toward the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, Denver Nuggets or Oklahoma City Thunder. Any of those contending teams would welcome his leadership and experience, assuming he would accept a bench role.
There's no doubt that Paul's career is coming to an end. He likely has one or two years left in the league.
If the Warriors part ways with him, choosing a highly favored team to win a championship next season would be his best option.
If retiring a champion is something he's aiming for, leaving Golden State might be necessary to make it happen, even if that means joining the seventh team of his career.
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