Chris Paul might stab Spurs fans in the back (again) if rumors are true

Marc Stein just released his latest insider report (paid), and he echoed our fears that the Dallas Mavericks are likely looking at Chris Paul as an option this summer. Kyrie Irving suffered a devastating injury in the back half of the season, so he's going to be out for the majority of the upcoming year. With Anthony Davis on the roster, they'll still want to compete, and Paul can help keep them afloat.

"Another name to monitor for Dallas: Chris Paul. The free agent-to-be just turned 40 on May 6, but Paul also just played (and started) 82 games in his maiden season as a San Antonio Spur." - Stein

Cooper Flagg helps with that mission, too. He'll have a lot to learn, but he's also pro-ready. He'll contribute to winning from the start. If CP3 is on the roster, he can help Flagg along as he's done for so many others. He just did it for the Spurs, and despite the fact that they didn't make the playoffs, his presence provided a positive impact that was noticeable to anyone who watched the guys play.

Chris Paul would erase some goodwill if he chooses the Mavericks

Paul helped the young players on the roster in more ways than one, but he was only on the team for one year. For the longest time, Paul was considered an enemy of the Silver and Black, so I guess it wouldn't be surprising if he made a heel move similar to the story tropes we see in the WWE. Spurs fans take their rivalries seriously, and bouncing up north to an in-state rival would be received poorly.

Especially if he helps them make the playoffs and they stand in San Antonio's way as Mitch Johnson tries to lead the team back to the postseason for the first time in over half a decade. There are only so many spots in the playoffs, and the Spurs will already have their hands full.

Kyrie's injury should hold them back from reaching the heights they seek. Paul isn't the ball-handling magician that Irving is, but he's still a master at running offense. He'll get the ball to the right guys in spots where they can be effective, and he'd have everything he needs to orchestrate at a high level.

Dallas has shooters, bigs who can pick and pop, centers who can dive strong down the lane and finish over the top with an alley-oop, and adding Cooper Flagg gives them another player who will cut well off the ball.

AD has a long injury history, so there's no guarantee he'll make it through the season and be ready for a postseason run, but we don't wish injury on anyone and assume health. If he's upright throughout the year, adding the Point God to a group that features him, Klay Thompson, Dereck Lively II, and Cooper Flagg will be a major pain in the rear and make CP3 a villain all over again.