Warriors release Chris Paul, Klay Thompson is likely to leave

The Warriors have waived Chris Paul. He had until Sunday to sign his contract worth $30 million for the season 2024-25. He is now free agent.

By Kendra Andrews

Jun 30, 2024 09:52 PM

The Golden State Warriors have waived guard Chris Paul , who had a Sunday deadline to guarantee his $30 million salary for this season, the team announced.

Paul is now a free agent.

Paul, an NBA All-Star 12 times, accepted a reduced role for the Warriors last season. He averaged 9.2 point and 6.8 assist in 26.4 minute.

Last summer, the 39-year old veteran was acquired by Jordan Poole. This move now amounts to a salary dump as Paul’s contracts are being wiped off the books.

The Warriors initially moved Paul’s guaranteed date to explore possible trades, but no deals materialized.

The Warriors will also likely be without Klay Thomson, as he is a free agent who has been with the Warriors for 13 seasons. The Warriors will have $147.2 million committed to their salary next season. They enter free agency as an untaxpaying mid-level team.

The midlevel exception of $12.8 million and the biannual exception can be used to sign free agents.

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnaowski, Thompson will have discussions with the Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, and Philadelphia 76ers during the first hours of free agent.

Thompson’s tenure as a Warriors player is nearing its end, due to the fractured relationship between the two parties and the fact that contract negotiations were never resumed last summer.

According to ESPN, the midlevel exemption the Lakers may offer Thompson might not be sufficient to lure him to Los Angeles. However, Thompson is willing to listen to any intriguing offers or opportunities.