The Golden State Warriors have been at the center of the NBA’s offseason conversation since acquiring Chris Paul from the Washington Wizards in a blockbuster trade for Jordan Poole. There’s been a lot of chatter on why the Warriors made the move and if the longtime rival point guard will work in his new home in the Bay Area.
On Tuesday, a former member of the Warriors was critical of the Paul trade. In an interview with Justin Termine and Eddie Johnson, DeMarcus Cousins said he doesn’t understand the Warriors’ trade to acquire Paul. The former All-Star big man says he doesn’t see Paul elevating the Warriors.
Via Sirius XM NBA Radio:
I’m going to be honest; I didn’t understand the Chris Paul trade. Then I looked at it as if maybe this is just a contract thing. Maybe they want to free up the books for the next season. But, as far as it being about basketball, the x’s and o’s on the court, I don’t really see that elevating the Golden State Warriors, to be honest.
When asked why he doesn’t understand the Warriors’ move for Paul, the former Kentucky Wildcat top prospect mentioned Paul’s age.
He is up in age; you got rid of a young youthful guy for an aging veteran. I’m not taking away anything Chris Paul has done throughout his career. I’m just speaking on this stage of his career. I don’t see him elevating the Golden State Warriors. Hey, I could be wrong. He could go find the fountain of youth this summer and come out and win MVP, I don’t know — Sixth Man of the Year, who knows. If they’ve seen what I’ve seen in this stage of his career and the addition to the team, I don’t see that really elevating the Golden State Warriors.
Via @SiriusXMNBA on Twitter:
“I didn’t understand the Chris Paul trade”
DeMarcus Cousins had some doubts regarding the Chris Paul trade to Golden State when he spoke with @termineradio and @jumpshot8 #DubNation pic.twitter.com/tBWBKUyQsX
— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) August 1, 2023
Prior to joining the Warriors, the 38-year-old guard spent three seasons with the Phoenix Suns. During the 2022-23 season, Paul played in 59 games, averaging 13.9 points on 44% shooting from the floor and 37.5% from deep, with 8.9 assists and 4.3 boards per contest.
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