Thunder news: Chris Paul has warmed to idea of playing for competitive OKC team in 2019-20

Chris Paul has reportedly warmed to the idea of playing for the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2019-20, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.

The Thunder won't be title contenders in 2019-20, but they will surely be competitive, especially if Paul is healthy and engaged on both ends of the floor.

CP3 could also be a great mentor to youngster Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. OKC acquired Gilgeous-Alexander from the Los Angeles Clippers in the Paul George trade.

Thunder general manager Sam Presti welcomes the idea of Paul playing for his franchise this season, and Paul has warmed to the idea of the Thunder as a landing spot for the year based on the organization and a competitive talent-level. The Thunder don't have a Western Conference championship contender, but they do have a core with Paul, Danilo Gallinari, Steven Adams, Dennis Schroder and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander that will not be participating in the NBA's annual race to the bottom. It promises to be a competitive environment for Paul to play the season.

Paul had a positive experience in Oklahoma City in the 2005-06 season, when his New Orleans team was relocated there because of Hurricane Katrina.

Chris Paul isn't a superstar anymore and he's owed a ton of money over the next three seasons. However, the nine-time All-Star is still one of the best floor generals in the league and the Thunder could shock some people in 2019-20 with Paul at the controls.

CP3 averaged 15.6 points, 4.6 rebounds and 8.2 assists in 58 games with the Houston Rockets this past season while shooting 41.9 percent from the field, 35.8 percent from beyond the arc and 86.2 percent from the free-throw line.