When the Oklahoma City Thunder made a blockbuster deal to send franchise point guard Russell Westbrook to the Houston Rockets, general manager Sam Presti was ensuring that he would get even more future value to add on to all the first-round picks he acquired in the Paul George trade.
Simultaneously, the Thunder would have to take on Chris Paul's sizable contract, which is worth close to $80 million over the next two seasons and has a $44 million player option for the 2021-22 season.
Since the Thunder appear to be committing to a rebuild, the expectation was that they would immediately look to flip Paul's contract. But Ken Berger of Bleacher Report says his sources have indicated that the Thunder would be open to retaining Paul if he wants to remain in Oklahoma City:
Despite the possibility that Paul will be flipped in another deal—incentivized, perhaps, with a couple of those first-round picks—the Thunder aren't averse to keeping him and his contract on board if he's willing to stay, two league sources told B/R. As expensive as the deal is, it's a year shorter than Westbrook's. And if Paul does stay, the Thunder will have been compensated handsomely for their trouble.
Paul began his career in OKC, when the Hornets were temporarily stationed in the city. But he may seek a buyout that would allow him to pursue a deal with a contending team such as the Lakers, especially given he has yet to even reach the NBA Finals in his career.
Regardless, there is sure to be plenty more maneuvering before all is said and done.
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