In the eyes of some, Chris Paul's peak playing years are over. But to the surprise of everyone, the 35-year-old guard had a renaissance NBA season and shined for the OKC Thunder. Though he has been plagued by injuries in the past years, the 10-time All-Star proved that he can still play at a high level.

Considering the Thunder made it to the NBA playoffs despite the seemingly rebuild mode they were in is an accomplishment already. However, it remains that Paul is no spring chicken and someone who carries a hefty paycheck. So would OKC trade the fourth overall pick of the 2005 NBA Draft?

That is a possibility depending on what OKC has planned. The team is expected to assess its performance this season and figure out what changes need to be done.

Considering Paul had decent numbers to show, the Thunder will have its work cut out for them. CP3 averaged 17.6 points, 6.7 assists and 5 rebounds in 70 games for Oklahoma City. These were close to his career averages but the problem here is his salary. He will be owed $41 million next season and another $44 million in 2021-22 if he picks up his player option per Spotrac.

Given that OKC could opt to trade him to make room for added budget, a trade could happen as early as the summer. But the question now is who among the current NBA teams would be willing to pick up the tab?

During an episode of ESPN's Hoop Collective podcast, there were several teams mentioned - the Philadelphia 76ers, New York Knicks and the Milwaukee Bucks. Ironically, all three teams were from the Eastern Conference.

The Sixers have been longing to get a veteran and someone who can orchestrate. Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons are top talents that have failed to shine, mainly due to the inability of Philly to take in a veteran playmaker. Paul may be good for one or two seasons more and adding him would make sense.

The intent is also two-fold. Paul will not only be tasked to play alongside Embiid and/or Simmons but can also train young rising guards. If it were to go down, who would the Sixers give up? Al Horford was suggested by Brian Windhorst, someone OKC tried to sign some years back.

If this gets down, it would be a sensible deal for the Thunder. Horford failed to fit in with the Sixers, something pundits saw from the beginning. The Knicks could also make sense though time is not on Paul's side. The Bucks could use him as well, in need of a leader to play alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo.