In a surprising move, the Golden State Warriors and guard Chris Paul have decided to extend the deadline for guaranteeing his $30 million contract for the 2024-25 season to the start of free agency on Sunday, as reported by ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. This development opens up a small window of opportunity for the Warriors to continue exploring potential trades.

Initially, the deadline to lock in Paul's contract was set for Friday. However, by moving the date, the Warriors now have extra time to assess trade possibilities and make a more informed decision. There is even a chance that they may ultimately waive Paul's contract, providing substantial cap relief for the team.

Sources close to the situation have revealed that the Warriors' intention in extending the deadline was to ensure that Paul finds a suitable landing spot on another team if a favorable deal can be reached. Including Paul's contract in a significant trade for an All-Star-caliber player would be a crucial consideration for Golden State.

Last season, Paul, who recently turned 39, played an integral role coming off the bench for the Warriors. In 58 games, he averaged 9.2 points, 6.8 assists, and 3.9 rebounds in just over 26 minutes per game. His arrival in Golden State was marked by a trade that involved Jordan Poole being sent to the Washington Wizards. The Warriors had hoped that Paul's presence would bring stability and leadership to their second unit.

As the Warriors weigh their options, the extension of the contract deadline indicates their commitment to finding the best possible outcome for both the team and Chris Paul. Whether it means striking a lucrative trade or granting Paul a fresh start elsewhere, the Warriors are determined to make a move that aligns with their long-term goals.

Only time will tell what the final decision will be, but one thing is clear: the Golden State Warriors are actively engaged in exploring all avenues to ensure their success in the upcoming season.