Chris Paul's contract makes him a logical trade asset for the Warriors

Chris Paul could find himself being added to potential trade discussions by the Golden State Warriors. The 38-year-old veteran was acquired by Golden State during the summer as part of the deal that sent Jordan Poole to the Washington Wizards. He is currently in the third year of his four-year $120 million contract. The final year of that deal is non-guaranteed. 

According to Sam Vecenie of The Athletic, Paul's contract situation makes him the logical player for the Warriors to include in discussions for potential roster upgrades ahead of the February 8 trade deadline.

"More than that, Paul’s contract represents the easiest mechanism for the Warriors to try to acquire a difference-maker to save their season," Vecenie wrote. "His deal, which amounts to a $30 million expiring contract since the 2024-25 season is non-guaranteed, allows general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. and company to get involved in every potential negotiation on the market, including the Pascal Siakam or Dejounte Murray sweepstakes, if they really wanted."

Paul is currently sidelined with a fractured hand. However, he isn't expected to miss a significant amount of time. Despite his advancing years, Paul is still among the best playmaking guards in the NBA. He's also proven himself to be an elite defender throughout his career. Given the immediate impact he could make and the fact his contract can be removed from a team's cap sheet at the end of the season, Paul could be a valuable commodity in potential trade discussions.

Golden State is among a handful of teams that are expected to be active in the trade market. Their slow start to the season has likely increased the urgency of the front office. Paul was originally acquired to provide balance to the Warriors' second unit. Yet, if he's the player that can ensure a star talent heads to the Bay Area, the decision to acquire him in the summer will be deemed a success.

Should the Warriors decide to keep Paul for the remainder of the season, his presence will be a significant boost to the bench unit. He will help keep the offense ticking over while Steph Curry is on the bench. However, with Golden State's reported reluctance to part with Jonathan Kuminga or Moses Moody, Paul is their best trade chip. It's fair to assume the front office will be shopping his services pretty hard in the coming weeks.