Chris Paul’s first matchup against the Golden State Warriors in the 2024-25 season holds significant meaning. While there’s no known bad blood between Paul and his former team, the upcoming game offers Paul a chance to face the squad that chose to move on from him after just one season. Despite his journey through several teams over the past few years, the Bay Area was expected to be a final stop for the now 39-year-old veteran. However, the allure of playing for Gregg Popovich and teaming up with Victor Wembanyama led Paul to a new chapter with the San Antonio Spurs.
Paul described the opportunity to play under Popovich as an “honor and a privilege,” adding that he has long admired the legendary coach. The chance to mentor and play alongside the highly-touted rookie Wembanyama was another major draw for the 12-time All-Star. Paul will lead his new team against the Warriors, marking his first game against the sixth franchise he has played for, in late November.
Chris Paul’s First Clash with His Former Team
The first of three scheduled games between the Spurs and the Warriors will take place on November 23. After this initial matchup, the two teams won’t meet again for another four months, barring a potential showdown in the NBA’s new Emirates NBA Cup.
The Warriors’ decision to trade for Paul last summer ended their tenure with Jordan Poole. This trade came shortly after the Phoenix Suns sent Paul to the Washington Wizards as part of the Bradley Beal deal. Golden State viewed Paul as a key piece to help them return to championship contention after their 2022 title win.
While the Warriors did improve slightly last season, finishing 46-36, they failed to make the playoffs, losing in the play-in tournament to the Sacramento Kings—a team they had previously defeated in a thrilling seven-game first-round series in 2023. With an aging roster, Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy, Jr. chose to pivot this summer. Paul entered free agency, and Klay Thompson was traded to the Dallas Mavericks.
When the Spurs face the Warriors on November 23, Paul will go up against former teammates Steph Curry and Draymond Green for the first time this season. The game will also feature new faces for Golden State, including Kyle Anderson, Buddy Hield, and De’Anthony Melton. This will be Paul’s chance to remind the Warriors what they lost—and perhaps reveal what the team no longer is.
Paul’s Reunion Tour with Past Teams
Throughout his storied career, Paul has suited up for several teams, including the New Orleans Hornets, Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Phoenix Suns. Here’s a look at when Paul will face each of his former teams this season:
- February 7: Spurs visit the Hornets
- November 4: Spurs visit the Clippers
- October 26 & 28: Spurs face the Rockets at home
- October 30: Spurs visit the Thunder
- December 3: Spurs face the Suns in an Emirates NBA Cup game
While this isn’t quite the farewell tour that the 11-time All-NBA selection and two-time Olympic gold medalist will likely receive if and when he announces his retirement, it does serve as a reminder of Paul’s remarkable NBA career.
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