In a shocking twist that has sent ripples through the NBA, former Golden State Warriors guard Chris Paul has made a sensational return to the L.A. Clippers, signing a one-year, $3.6 million contract, as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania on Monday. The 40-year-old, 12-time All-Star, who could be entering his 21st and potentially final season in the league, drew interest from multiple teams but ultimately chose to reunite with the Clippers, leaving the Warriors out of the running after his stint with the San Antonio Spurs last summer.
While Paul’s decision to return to Los Angeles grabbed headlines, the Warriors are quietly orchestrating a calculated move in free agency that could redefine their backcourt. With only nine players currently under contract and a pressing need for a reliable backup point guard to support the 37-year-old Stephen Curry, Golden State has set its sights on a different veteran: Malcolm Brogdon.
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Warriors are among several teams vying for Brogdon’s services, with Clutch Points’ Brett Siegel adding fuel to the speculation that a move to the Bay Area could be imminent. “Another name worth mentioning that was connected to the Dubs in Las Vegas is Malcolm Brogdon,” Siegel wrote on Monday. “The former Sixth Man of the Year has held out in free agency despite multiple suitors contacting him in recent weeks.”
At first glance, passing on a reunion with Chris Paul—a proven playmaker with a storied career—might seem like a risky move for Golden State. Paul’s tenure with the Warriors last season was solid, though it culminated in a disappointing loss to the Sacramento Kings in the Play-In Tournament. However, the front office’s pivot to Brogdon signals a strategic shift toward a player who could better complement Curry and the Warriors’ dynamic system under head coach Steve Kerr.
At 32, Brogdon offers a versatile skill set that aligns seamlessly with Golden State’s needs. Unlike Paul, whose game thrives on ball-dominant playmaking, Brogdon excels as a combo guard capable of playing both on and off the ball. His ability to stretch the floor with catch-and-shoot threes—averaging at least 2.3 per game in four of the last five seasons—makes him a perfect fit alongside Curry and potentially Jimmy Butler. By contrast, Paul has never surpassed 1.9 catch-and-shoot threes per game in the same span, with two seasons dipping below one.
Brogdon’s appeal lies in his potential to recapture the form that earned him the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award just two seasons ago. While injuries have been a concern, his efficiency as a shooter and scorer surpasses what Paul can offer at this stage of his career. If Brogdon can stay healthy, his ability to thrive in Kerr’s motion-heavy offense—whether spotting up or creating off the dribble—could elevate the Warriors’ backcourt to new heights.
Paul, for all his brilliance, is a known quantity in Golden State. His time with the team was productive but lacked the spark needed to push them deep into the postseason. Brogdon, on the other hand, represents a high-upside gamble—a player who could seamlessly integrate into the Warriors’ system while providing the scoring punch and versatility that Paul no longer brings.
As Chris Paul embarks on a nostalgic reunion with the Clippers, the Warriors are looking forward, not backward. By targeting Malcolm Brogdon, Golden State is making a bold statement: they’re not just chasing veterans for name recognition but are strategically building around Curry’s prime to maximize their championship window. If Brogdon can deliver, this free agency move could be hailed as a masterstroke, proving once again that the Warriors’ front office knows how to play the long game.