Can the Spurs realistically sign Chris Paul after shocking waiver wire news?

The San Antonio Spurs had their rebuild sent into overdrive after winning the Victor Wembanyama sweepstakes a month ago, and the team could generate more than $45M in cap space to pursue any player on the free agent market this summer. Draymond Green, Fred VanVleet, and Khris Middleton are some of the marquee names that might interest their front office, and Chris Paul has joined the conversation after the Phoenix Suns waived him on Wednesday afternoon.

Paul averaged 13.9 points and 8.9 assists per game on 44% shooting from the field for the Suns last season, making his dismissal from the franchise one of the most shocking moves in recent memory. Although his numbers have gradually declined, the 12-time All-Star has more than enough gas left in his tank to contribute winning basketball to the organization that is lucky enough to sign him, and perhaps the Spurs can convince him to come to San Antonio.

The Silver and Black are fresh off a 60-loss season, and Paul reportedly desires to join a title contender. Regardless, the 38-year-old point guard should still consider San Antonio a possible landing spot for what could be the final destination of his NBA career. He would have an opportunity to engineer an offense spearheaded by a once-in-a-lifetime prospect in Wembanyama while playing under the tutelage of legendary head coach Gregg Popovich.

The future Hall of Famer had a similar experience when he landed with the Oklahoma City Thunder via a blockbuster trade for Russell Westbrook during the 2019 offseason. Despite entering that situation with virtually no expectations of making noise in the Western Conference, he led their young core to the playoffs. With a talented supporting cast of Keldon Johnson, Devin Vassell, Jeremy Sochan, and Wembanyama, Paul could elevate the Spurs to automatic postseason status.