Update: Chris Paul Likely to Start Season with OKC After Trade Talks Stall

Update 07/18/2019 11:49am:

When Chris Paul was traded to the OKC Thunder in a deal that sent Russell Westbrook to Houston, reports stated that the 9x All-Star point guard wouldn't play a game in a Thunder uniform. However, trade talks for Paul have stalled after OKC GM Sam Presti noted that he's unwilling to trade CP3 and his massive contract to a team along with draft picks to sweeten the deal for the new team. ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that there is an "increasing expectation exists that he will start the season with the Thunder," adding, "nothing is materializing so deep into summer free agency."

Considering that teams are financially locked in for the start of the season, contenders that are interested in Paul will likely have to wait until the February trade deadline to make a deal for the veteran point guard. 

Original 07/12/2019 9:10am:

Chris Paul is headed back to Oklahoma City where he started his career as part of the relocated New Orleans Hornets due to the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. However, there are a number of conflicting reports out there among NBA insiders that believe the Thunder intend to keep CP3 on the team while others have rumored the future Hall of Famer could be on the move again. Sam Amick of The Athletic wrote via Twitter that OKC saw CP3 as a potentially integral piece to their team this season but ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported otherwise.

According to Woj, "Houston hoped to find third-team destination preferable to Chris Paul, but ultimately leaves it OKC to execute next step once Presti confers w/ CP3 agent Leon Rose. Miami remains [a] possibility for Paul (3 years, $124M) -- and OKC obviously has picks to incentivize deal, if needed." 

Paul's 3-year, $124 million contract is currently seen as an albatross for a 34-year-old point guard that is no longer an elite defender. However, OKC could keep Chris Paul on board until the February trade deadline in hopes that a team will inquire about the veteran point guard ahead of an anticipated deep playoff run. 

Source: bleacherreport.com