Do we bring back Chris Paul in 2025?

[CorrectCrusader]

He would be a fantastic backup PG if he accepted that role.

[LeBowen]

Strictly as a backup that will never be on the floor together with Fox.

[rascal]

Hope not

He'll be 41 during the playoffs next year.

[DAF86]

As a 15 to 20 mpg backup PG, he would be ideal, imho. If we really want to compete next season (and we better do), we need to have as many wins influencing veterans as we can. CP3 is one of those.

[SPURt]

I’ve enjoyed watching CP3 this year…. but…. a championship team can’t have him starting at this point. Father Time is a scoundrel.

[mystargtr34]

I’d be happy to have him as a backup to Fox. Max 15-20 MPG. I’m not sure I’d trust Mitch to not start him though.

[spurraider21]

If he’s content with being a 15-20mpg backup sure

[gilmor2002]

No. He can't guard anyone.

[scott]

As an assistant coach to Becky, sure

[bluebellmaniac]

As an assistant coach to Becky, sure

This.

[Twisted_Dawg]

I’d be happy to have him as a backup to Fox. Max 15-20 MPG. I’m not sure I’d trust Mitch to not start him though.

If Mitch is still around making decisions, this team is doomed.

[Raven]

No.

[Manu-of-steel]

It's a no for me if he will insist on being a starter, with starter minutes. Im ok with him as a back up for 10-15minutes. I hope he keeps his ego in check and accept that it's time for him to give his slot to Fox and Castle

[Seventyniner]

Hope not

He'll be 41 during the playoffs next year.

https://i.imgflip.com/2z65sd.jpg

[stnick2261]

I'd like him as a coach, but he can make more money as a player than as an assistant. Pay him as a backup PG, but have his role as a "coach on the court". He's also valuable as a coach who can jump in the game and actually play as needed (for depth).

[Mr. Body]

Absolutely.

[CGD]

If he doesnt demand to start, yeah, keep him in house.

[rascal]

If he doesnt demand to start, yeah, keep him in house.

What are you going to tell him, you can't start or get so many minutes anymore?

Especially if he signed to be a starter.

[poopbox]

Absolutely not. We don't really get much out of Chris Paul pick and roll cause he virtually never goes all the way to the rim, so the big never has to drop down to guard him. His defense is non existent which means there is no way you can play him with Fox. Hard pass.

[mo7888]

As most have said, in a bench role I'd keep him.

[spursparker9]

I am okay with him replacing Mitch

[Blizzardwizard]

He would be a fantastic backup PG if he accepted that role.


lol

[exstatic]

It's a no for me if he will insist on being a starter, with starter minutes. Im ok with him as a back up for 10-15minutes. I hope he keeps his ego in check and accept that it's time for him to give his slot to Fox and Castle

Don’t know if you watch the games, but at least 75% of the time when the ball is inbounded to him, he gives it up to Castle to bring up and initiate the offense. He’s already taking a back seat,and becoming a spot up shooter much of the time.

[R. DeMurre]

No. He doesn't pair well with Fox because he's too small, and it's time to give whoever's going to be the back up PG more minutes and more experience. The CP3 experiment was fine, but I feel like it's time to move on.

[Leetonidas]

I hope not tbh. Appreciate his contributions this season but the backup PG role needs to go to Wesley with Castle taking over at stretches when Fox is resting. CP3 is just too old. He's cooked. Dude can barely move out there and can't get by anyone, even bigs. A 15-20 min role as a backup might not be terrible but I doubt he'll accept it and it's time to let Wesley get his shot at the role imo.

[Spurs Homer]

On two conditions, yes:

1) If both Wemby and Fox want him back when asked privately….
and…
2) If the spurs hire a veteran and/or championship level coach

otherwise if its just running it back with mitch and/or pop- its irrelevant IMO.

[John B]

CP3 is coming back maybe on a 2 years deal, lest they waived him early to join a ring contender. Next season will be ALL IN for the Spurs IF Wemby is coming back without reservations. Wemby will be back hungry and pissed for having lost DPOY twice now (what should be his), and still his team off from the playoff. He is supposed to be the next BIG thing and he will show what he got. The FO will please their franchise player and will not leave stone unturned to get the best help next season, that includes trading those who will not be part of the future for another backup Big or a PF if it doesn’t happen in the draft. CP3 is heavily included in the discussion lest he left already. He’s going out with a Ring! He will do what’s best to secure that ring, that includes stepping back if it’s the best for the team to get there. Just my 2 cents.

[The Truth #6]

1st year CP is usually as good as it gets. 2nd year he starts to rub people the wrong way And he's been helpful obviously this year. But I'm fine with Fox, Castle, and we also have Wesley and that short dude from Sacramento. I'd rather roll with that. Save the money for someone else.

[spurraider21]

if the spurs are going to be serious about trying to make a playoff run, you absolutely bring him back as a reserve. if they are going to continue to take incremental steps, then theres less need for him back. we already have Fox as the full time point guard with Castle who can handle some of those duties.

but if they make a big swing for a big-name starter (whether it be durant or somebody like naz reid), then i think at that point you want to have paul back. if they just draft a couple of guys, make a mid-tier signing, and otherwise run it back, then those minutes are better off with wesley

[koriwhat]

No. He can't guard anyone.

He got a nice steal last night.

[koriwhat]

I figured he was retiring after this season but from reading this thread it seems as though he'll be looking to continue his bball career.

[John B]

if the spurs are going to be serious about trying to make a playoff run, you absolutely bring him back as a reserve. if they are going to continue to take incremental steps, then theres less need for him back. we already have Fox as the full time point guard with Castle who can handle some of those duties.

but if they make a big swing for a big-name starter (whether it be durant or somebody like naz reid), then i think at that point you want to have paul back. if they just draft a couple of guys, make a mid-tier signing, and otherwise run it back, then those minutes are better off with wesley

I highly doubt it would be a mid-tier signing on Wemby’s 3rd year in the league. The kid is hungry and can’t wait to dominate, IF Wemby is all good to go. It could be attractive for KD to sign with the Spurs, and help resurrect the Spurs back to its glory, helping his friend CP3 to his 1st ring. It’s a win/win for both. KD might force his way to the Spurs, plus a backup strong big should get the Spurs back to contention. It would be a very busy off-season. Players will be traded, or even the 2025 picks if it means the right long-term signing of a solid star. I expect CP3 to be heavily invested looking at finishing his career with a bang.

[CorrectCrusader]

I highly doubt it would be a mid-tier signing on Wemby’s 3rd year in the league. The kid is hungry and can’t wait to dominate, IF Wemby is all good to go. It could be attractive for KD to sign with the Spurs, and help resurrect the Spurs back to its glory, helping his friend CP3 to his 1st ring. It’s a win/win for both. KD might force his way to the Spurs, plus a backup strong big should get the Spurs back to contention. It would be a very busy off-season. Players will be traded, or even the 2025 picks if it means the right long-term signing of a solid star. I expect CP3 to be heavily invested looking at finishing his career with a bang.

Sign me up

[jjspur]

I don't think its up to the spurs to decide, its up to c3p0. He'll be looking somewhere else, still chasing a ring at 40 plus years old. My guess is that he signs a minimum contract with the Clippers or Fakers to end his career. We took a chance with c3p0, and it was a decent temporary move, however trading for Fox represents our future, signing C. Paul represents a transition at best but definitely not the future. Thanks for helping us out this year but we both know its time to move on.

[spurs50_]

Hell no, if he’s on the roster they’re going to start his old ass….. only in San Antonio

[baseline bum]

I hope he wants to come back if he's willing to take the backup role. Would be nice to always have a quality PG on the floor 48 minutes a night.

[The Truth #6]

if the spurs are going to be serious about trying to make a playoff run, you absolutely bring him back as a reserve. if they are going to continue to take incremental steps, then theres less need for him back. we already have Fox as the full time point guard with Castle who can handle some of those duties.

but if they make a big swing for a big-name starter (whether it be durant or somebody like naz reid), then i think at that point you want to have paul back. if they just draft a couple of guys, make a mid-tier signing, and otherwise run it back, then those minutes are better off with wesley

I think I see it slightly different. I think a team with the healthy Wemby, a healthy Fox, and an even better Castle would do well without Chris Paul in there stealing minutes and possibly annoying people. I think a mid-tier signing could actually be helpful, though I think we need more than one to start improving our role players. Just a thought.

[baseline bum]

On second thought the Spurs won't have any kind of Bird Rights on CP3 and really need a SF or a PF if possible with their MLE, so hard to see CP3 back unless the Spurs strike out there.

[Dex]

Based on all reports, a main reason he came to the Spurs is he because wasn't happy in his backup role in Golden State and he wanted to play and contribute...which was fine because we didn't have a legit starting PG at the time and his veteran leadership was sorely needed with this young team. That's also probably why he continues to be our starter and will be for the rest of the season.

Unless that has changed, he doesn't have a spot here anymore. We now have Fox and Castle who should be starting, and also have to see what pans out in the draft.

If he legit wants to come back and be the mentor off the bench, great. But I don't think he will be willing to accept that role, and he also probably would rather go ring-chasing at this point and I don't know if SA is going to be there next year.

[couchman]

I'd love to get him back as a backup PG.
I imagine one more year of playing would make sense before he goes into coaching.

[BackHome]

I don't think its up to the spurs to decide, its up to c3p0. He'll be looking somewhere else, still chasing a ring at 40 plus years old. My guess is that he signs a minimum contract with the Clippers or Fakers to end his career. We took a chance with c3p0, and it was a decent temporary move, however trading for Fox represents our future, signing C. Paul represents a transition at best but definitely not the future. Thanks for helping us out this year but we both know its time to move on.

Nah he is mostly interested in breaking the NBA leading assist record for NBA- believe he is currently in second place so how close and what his playing time will look will determine where he goes.

[baseline bum]

Nah he is mostly interested in breaking the NBA leading assist record for NBA- believe he is currently in second place so how close and what his playing time will look will determine where he goes.

Nah it's not reasonable. Stockton is so far ahead in #1 position it would take CP3 about 5.25 years playing at his current level to reach #1, assuming he played 82 games every year.

[CGD]

What are you going to tell him, you can't start or get so many minutes anymore?

Especially if he signed to be a starter.

That’s what he agreed to for this year, for sure. He can take it or leave it after this year since he’s not under contract.

[jjspur]

At the beginning of the season we signed him because we literally didn't have anyone better than him on the team even at age 39. So the signing was a decent move and it did pay some dividends. We now have Fox and Castle who can run the point. The team did its part in giving him lots of minutes. Next year will be a different story. If he wants to be a backup, great . If he doesn't, there are probably other teams that will sign him even at his age.

[Knoxxx]

He will be a net negative on the court next season. This is a reason we can also consider drafting a guard in this draft that can play backup PG but mainly be a smaller scoring guard such as a Richardson with the ATL pick.

[KingKev]

As a 2nd/3rd backup with no minutes guarantee on a vet min. Both sides agree to waive him come February if we aren’t looking competitive. He got a pretty good deal this year that work for both parties.

[LeBowen]

As a 2nd/3rd backup with no minutes guarantee on a vet min. Both sides agree to waive him come February if we aren’t looking competitive. He got a pretty good deal this year that work for both parties.

Where would he even go if he decides to move on?
I guess Nuggets could replace Westbrook with him.
Timberwolves as a Conley replacement? But Conley would have to be moved.
Mavs while Kyrie is out?
Same for Pelicans and DJ situation?
Magic and Heat are his best options in the East, but he wouldn't have anything guaranteed in Miami.
I guess Nets would be an option if he's into being a veteran leader of another bad team.

[Spurs Brazil]

https://x.com/MarcJSpears/status/1908147839047270458

[The Truth #6]

Typically when a HOF type legend comes to the Spurs in their late 30s it's because no one else wants them and they end up retiring after one season. I'm thinking of Moses, Dominique as well as some other non HOF NBA stars over the years. I don't see any market for him to play starter minutes, even with us, unless some tanking team wants a willing veteran. Utah maybe? Closer to LA I guess. But even that is a stretch imo.

[KingKev]

Where would he even go if he decides to move on?
I guess Nuggets could replace Westbrook with him.
Timberwolves as a Conley replacement? But Conley would have to be moved.
Mavs while Kyrie is out?
Same for Pelicans and DJ situation?
Magic and Heat are his best options in the East, but he wouldn't have anything guaranteed in Miami.
I guess Nets would be an option if he's into being a veteran leader of another bad team.

If CP3 wanted to take a role to stay game ready, fully engaged and be a leader in the locker room he still has a place in the league. Bit of a player coach and maybe he has a moment come playoff time when in need. Steve Kerr in 2003 single handily brought us back in the WCF game.

[jjspur]

If CP3 wanted to take a role to stay game ready, fully engaged and be a leader in the locker room he still has a place in the league. Bit of a player coach and maybe he has a moment come playoff time when in need. Steve Kerr in 2003 single handily brought us back in the WCF game.

Everything you said is correct, especially the word "if". Some players have a hard time letting go of their status on a team even if their skills aren't quite there any more. Some players like Kerr accept a reduced role, but others think they're still stars until the day their last contract ends. It will be interesting to see how the team and Paul handle this one.

[Knoxxx]

If bringing back Paul means not starting both Fox and Castle then NO THANKS. Then we have that issue of possibly starting Paul/Fox together which is another NO THANK YOU.

As of now I like what Keldon Johnson is usually able to do off the bench. Adding Paul to the bench unit could be viable.

[cutewizard]

CP3 said he feels good about his experience here in the Spurs

[cutewizard]

https://youtu.be/rvTViyupMYI?si=BFBqbVlnpbTlRLLU

[cutewizard]

"The grass is greener where you water it."

[John B]

As a backup PG and mentor, yes. No starter minutes and no minutes during defensive stand. Stephon needs more fine tuning under his wing. And definitely Wesley can learn a lot on making better decisions. Wesley intrigues me a lot with his speed on top of his defense.

[Mal]

No, it will end badly when Spurs play to win. Paul still wants to be starting, he wants to close games. Spurs need other players to take those roles.

[baseline bum]

It's really hard to tell yet not knowing where the Spurs will be drafting, but assuming they're at 8 and 16 and picking role players I'd probably like to have CP3 back if he's willing to play a bench role as he's still good defensively and is a good outside shooter. And of course a guy I want all our guards learning from in practice. Don't think Aldama (restricted), Grimes (restricted), nor John Collins are realistic MLE targets and Naz certainly isn't one. But Bobby Portis might be gettable with an MLE offer. Or maybe Caris Levert. Can't get one of them maybe you try to split the MLE between CP3 and Yabusele or something.

[LeBowen]

It's really hard to tell yet not knowing where the Spurs will be drafting, but assuming they're at 8 and 16 and picking role players I'd probably like to have CP3 back if he's willing to play a bench role as he's still good defensively and is a good outside shooter. And of course a guy I want all our guards learning from in practice. Don't think Aldama (restricted), Grimes (restricted), nor John Collins are realistic MLE targets and Naz certainly isn't one. But Bobby Portis might be gettable with an MLE offer. Or maybe Caris Levert. Can't get one of them maybe you try to split the MLE between CP3 and Yabusele or something.

Portis has been garbage this year according to Bucks fans.
Levert only if we get rid of Keldon.

I value Collins a lot, I'd create space for him and offer him a 80/4 contract if he opts out of his final year.

As for CP3, I'd bring him back if he agrees to play only when Fox sits, having both of them out there doesn't make any sense.

[baseline bum]

Portis has been garbage this year according to Bucks fans.
Levert only if we get rid of Keldon.

I value Collins a lot, I'd create space for him and offer him a 80/4 contract if he opts out of his final year.

As for CP3, I'd bring him back if he agrees to play only when Fox sits, having both of them out there doesn't make any sense.

Portis still shoots the three at 37% and is 38% career. Not bad for a PF who will be available in the MLE price range. And he's not the traffic cone Yabusele is defensively. Collins is probably only gettable if the Jazz want Keldon or Vassell. IDK maybe Keldon could be a veteran mentor for all those young guys, don't see what the fuck they'd want Vassell for though. Definitely don't see Detroit absorbing Keldon's salary with their glut of talented forward prospects and I imagine they'd rather have Schroeder back than absorb Vassell's money, especially when Jaden Ivey is better and younger. Can't see the fit either in Chicago. So that leaves having to throw firsts at Brooklyn to salary dump one of Johnson or Vassell.

[Mr. Body]

If he can't get on with a contending team, definitely. I'd rather start him than Fox anyway. I don't think Fox is the answer for anything. Happy to be wrong about that. Realistically Paul would need to come off the bench.

But Paul still has a lot to teach this team if he's willing. If you add a Knueppel and another piece, this is a playoff or play-in team, staying healthy.

[Ice009]

So what do you want to do with Fox if you started CP3? Bench him, or are you just saying you don't want Fox on the team at all?

[LeBowen]

Collins is probably only gettable if the Jazz want Keldon or Vassell.

He's got a $26.5M player option for the next season. Noone is offering him that money, but I'd say he can get more long term money this than the next summer because another year on a tanking team and being a year older won't do him any favors.
Generating some extra cap space we'd need to offer him around 80/4 wouldn't be an issue.


Portis still shoots the three at 37% and is 38% career. Not bad for a PF who will be available in the MLE price range. And he's not the traffic cone Yabusele is defensively.

I haven't seen enough of the Bucks this season, but apparently the issue is that shooting is all he does right now.
His defense and effort level dropped off this season.
Idk, he'd be a solid consolation prize, I guess.

If we're looking into a traditional backup big, I'd be interested in Kornet.
Celtics fans love him, he's got high IQ and uses his body well. Great passer out of short rolls.
Would be just what we need when Wemby sits if we're looking at traditional bigs and not small lineups.

[rascal]

If he can't get on with a contending team, definitely. I'd rather start him than Fox anyway. I don't think Fox is the answer for anything. Happy to be wrong about that. Realistically Paul would need to come off the bench.

But Paul still has a lot to teach this team if he's willing. If you add a Knueppel and another piece, this is a playoff or play-in team, staying healthy.

Why do you want to add a backup 2 guard in Knueppel? That guy is so over rated. Spurs don't need a backup sg who plays below the rim and they don't need to try to fit him at SF as an undersized SF.

[rascal]

If he can't get on with a contending team, definitely. I'd rather start him than Fox anyway. I don't think Fox is the answer for anything. Happy to be wrong about that. Realistically Paul would need to come off the bench.

But Paul still has a lot to teach this team if he's willing. If you add a Knueppel and another piece, this is a playoff or play-in team, staying healthy.

Fox is the starter. Spurs didn't trade for him to have him as a backup to a 40 year old.

[spursistan]

Think CP3 priority next season will be a surefire contenting situation that's closer to home and family (he said he's going to talk to his wife), which makes the Lakers as perhaps an ideal team he would be ok signing for for the Vet minimum. That, or supplanting Westbrook in Denver and hope to ride Jokic coattails for that elusive ring..

IF opts to return to Spurs it is because they offer more money and maybe a ladder for future coaching career. (if you are going to do some assistant grunt work, it might as well be on the bench of the team that has the next face of the league with all the perks of visibility and credit points)

[spurraider21]

If he can't get on with a contending team, definitely. I'd rather start him than Fox anyway. I don't think Fox is the answer for anything. Happy to be wrong about that. Realistically Paul would need to come off the bench.

But Paul still has a lot to teach this team if he's willing. If you add a Knueppel and another piece, this is a playoff or play-in team, staying healthy.
christ, let it go

[baseline bum]

christ, let it go

Fox cost him Zollins, it's gonna take some time for that wound to heal.

[exstatic]

Fox cost him Zollins, it's gonna take some time for that wound to heal.

And he was having such an objectively good season.

[dbestpro]

Yes.

[Arguendo]

He'd need to accept as a 41y/o he's a 15mpg backup who can't play next to Fox, but yes.

Still good to elite creator (11th Ast% overall, top 5-6 before Wemby went down), good shooter/2nd best rotation 3pt% guy, played all 82, coach on the floor which we need with Pop or Mitch, boards at PG, Vet presence and mentor.
And he's a recruiting tool. So far, Paul, Barnes, and Fox have either choosen us for gave up money (or both) to play here, in one off-season with Wemby. Paul is a draw as an all-time great and as a guy that choose us who we did right by.

West POs are open next yr, Dal/Phx/Sac falling fast. GS/Mem/and maybe Min are iffy to be as good next yr. Lac got 79 games from Harden and Den got maybe the best season ever from Jokic and still only got to 50 wins. If Wemby plays 70 next yr, we are sure fire Play-in, fighting for a top 6+. We are an attractive destination on the court and don't pay income taxes off the court. Paul's a non-zero attraction, and fills several holes at a reasonable price.

[jjspur]

If we get a new coach, then C3P0 is likely gone. The front office probably won't interfere with a new coach making him play a 40 year old over a younger all star.
We can then spend our money on someone not so close to permanently going fishing. If Mitch/Pop are back I think CP30 stays 1 more year then retires. Hopefully the spurs make the right decision.

[bigfan]

He did a great job but time to let our young guys play those minutes. I wish him well.

[DJR210]

Vet's minimum backup let's do it

[Knoxxx]

Seems like who we get in the draft could factor in whether it leaves Paul in the rotation and if not he’s more end of bench which probably doesn’t work for him.

[TD 21]

Nah. The number one reason Paul came here was to "hoop", which meant start/close and be primary ball handler.

Whatever miniscule chance that had of maintaining for another season vanished once Fox was acquired and to a lesser extent as Castle emerged.

Mavericks, Heat, Pelicans, Kings and maybe Suns (seems to be some bad blood) could be possibilities.

If he's forced to and/or ready to accept a 20ish mpg 6th man role on a contender, teams like the Nuggets and Thunder with big PG's/combos, make sense.

[BackHome]

Yeah, unless he is ready to just be a backup if he wants to be more then best thing for both parties is to let him walk. I am cool maybe finding a backup PG in this draft and please do not say we have Blake as he is a shooting guard who can’t really shoot.

[SupremeGuy]

If he's willing to come off the bench...

[Pauleta14]

A poll would have been interesting, I'm surprised by the amount of STers wanting him back ...

For all the good stuff he brings, he can't guard anyone and slows the team down.

Let's keep the happy ending