4. Chris Paul, Point Guard
One of the most underrated stars of this generation, in terms of advanced metrics despite lack of deep playoff runs, is the Oklahoma City Thunder veteran point guard Chris Paul. Even though he was supposed to be downtrodden this year, CP3 is taking the Thunder to the same level of playoff contention in the Western Conference that they were in with Russell Westbrook and Paul George last season.
CP3 was made famous during his runs with the New Orleans Hornets (now the Pelicans) and the Los Angeles Clippers. He’s a 10-time NBA All-Star selection, six-time steals champ, four-time assist champ, eight-time All-NBA honoree, nine-time All-Defensive Team selection, and the 2005-06 Rookie of the Year award winner.
In 63 games played with the Thunder in the season that is currently on pause, CP3 averaged 17.7 points per game, 4.9 rebounds, 6.8 assists, and 1.6 steals. He shot 48.9 percent from the field, 36.2 percent from beyond the arc, and 90.0 percent from the free-throw line. That amounted to a stellar 60.9 true shooting percentage, 4.3 box plus/minus rating, .194 win shares per 48 minutes, and a 3.2 value over replacement player rating.
The sizable contract that CP3 brings to the table from when he signed a deal with the Houston Rockets does last for two more seasons, but it could be one that is worth taking on for the Bulls. He is paid well over $40 million for each of the next two seasons, so salary matching would be difficult in a potential trade deal. If the Bulls and Thunder could make it work, then a CP3 swap could be worth it.