After 13 years, Paul missed the playoffs for the first time! Unexpectedly, even he couldn't save the Warriors
As we all know, the Warriors have been eliminated and finished their season. Paul played 19 seasons in the NBA without winning a championship, tying Karl Malone and Stockton for the third-longest time in NBA history. Vince Carter played 22 seasons and was the longest-serving uncrowned king in the NBA, followed by Crawford (20 seasons).
Paul missed the playoffs for the first time since the 2009-10 season. His record of reaching the playoffs for 13 consecutive years ended with the Warriors. Think back then, Paul brought the Thunder to the playoffs and the Suns to the Finals. I thought I could chase the first championship of my career with the Warriors, but I didn't expect to fall directly in the play-offs, and I didn't even touch the threshold of the playoffs.
After the Warriors were out, Kerr said of Paul: "Paul has played very well with the team during Curry's time off the court this season. Paul is very professional on the court and we hope to have him back next season!" "Paul is on a $30 million non-guaranteed contract next season, and the Warriors will have to pay a huge luxury tax if they exercise the player option!"
This season, the Warriors have spent $382.5 million on player salaries of $205.6 million and $176.9 million in luxury tax. Player salaries and luxury tax are the first in the league, and the team has a 10th record in the West. For comparison, the West's No. 1 Thunder has a player salary of 160 million and a luxury tax of 0. No matter how rich the Warriors boss is, he can't keep smashing like this.
Before June 29 of this year, the Warriors must decide whether to convert Paul's and Looney's contracts to full protection. Looney will have a salary of 8 million next season, of which 3 million are guaranteed. Even if Klay is not renewed, once Paul and Looney stay with the team, the Warriors' salary of $174 million next season will already exceed the luxury tax line (171 million).
Paul played in 58 games this regular season, 18 of which were starts. He averaged 26.4 minutes per game, scoring 9.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, 6.8 assists and 1.2 steals while shooting 44.1% from the field, 37.1% from three-point range and 82.7% from the free throw line. In the play-off game against the Kings, Paul only scored 3 points, 1 rebound and 2 assists on 1-of-3 shooting, with a plus/minus of -15.
Paul is averaging career-low points and steals per game this season, and his assists per game are the second-lowest of his career. Paul's performance is certainly not worth $30 million, and the Warriors don't have to exercise the team option. Paul still has gas in his tank, and if he's willing to accept a smaller contract, such as a mid-class exception with an annual salary of tens of millions, he won't have to worry about going home in the offseason.
Griffin recently announced his retirement, and many people miss the former "empty city". Former Clippers player Matt Barnes said: "That Clippers really had a chance to win a championship, and we blew up the Lakers. But our players are so individual, they don't get along with each other, and we waste the opportunity to compete for the title. As for who disagrees with whom, Barnes didn't say.
Paul was born on May 6, 1985, and will turn 39 next month. As his career comes to an end, does Paul have a chance to win the championship? With Paul's form, if he goes to a strong team, he can lead the second team. Let's go back to the original question and see what kind of contract Paul himself can accept.
Anyway, I'll see you next season, Brother Pao!Final question: Which team do you think Paul would fit into?