Chris Paul may actually be happy to be traded to the Washington Wizards for financial reasons.
Paul and Landry Shamet will be traded from the Phoenix Suns to the Wizards as part of a big deal with Bradley Beal. Paul could move to the third team if the Wizards can reach a trade deal, but he’s getting paid no matter what.
Paul signed a four-year, $120 million contract with the Suns in 2021. Previously, only $15.8 of the $30.8 million base salary was guaranteed in 2023-2024.
But to match Beal’s current base salary of $43.27 million, the Suns needed to guarantee Paul’s base salary an additional $10 million for the season.
Not just $15.8 million guaranteed next season, Paul now has $25.04 million guaranteed. Shamet’s salary this season is $9.25 million for tax purposes.
Here is the projected calculation if Bradley Beal were traded to Phoenix:
A portion of Paul’s $15.8 million increased significantly (far right column). pic.twitter.com/LfC2UxYijE
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) June 18, 2023
Paul knew he was likely to depart from Phoenix. If he were to sign another candidate like the Clippers and be guaranteed an even bigger salary, you might personally consider his development a win.