NBA Insider: Chris Paul's Injury Won't Impact Trade Value Due to Warriors Contract

Golden State Warriors point guard Chris Paul suffered a fractured left hand during his team's 113-109 win over the Detroit Pistons on Friday and will have surgery next week.

With the Warriors struggling at 17-18, numerous moves will certainly be under consideration as the team looks to salvage this season, or potentially look toward the future. It's conceivable the Warriors trade Paul, who can become a free agent this offseason with the final year (2024-25) of his contract non-guaranteed.

If the Warriors decide to deal Paul before the Feb. 8 trade deadline, however, then the injury reportedly won't be a deterrent for other teams, per Marcus Thompson II of The Athletic:

"The injury might keep him out past the Feb. 8 trade deadline. But it doesn't figure to impact Paul's value. The likelihood is that the teams who'd want him will be interested in his expiring contract, which can be used to cut future salary. The teams who could use Paul's play don't have the pieces to swing a deal for his contract."

Paul, 38, is in his 19th NBA season. The 12-time All-Star has averaged 8.9 points and 7.2 assists per game for the Warriors.

Paul landed in Golden State after the Washington Wizards dealt him in a blockbuster deal that notably sent Jordan Poole back to D.C. Paul landed in Washington last offseason after the Phoenix Suns sent him to the Wizards in a trade that brought Bradley Beal to Arizona.

The Warriors have tried to make it work with Paul aboard, but the Warriors have dealt with a host of issues this year. Draymond Green is suspended indefinitely, and Klay Thompson has posted career-low marks in field goal and three-point percentage.

Golden State has also struggled defensively all year and sits in the bottom third in defensive rating.

Ultimately, it's not impossible to believe that Paul could have played his last game in Golden State, although it's certainly possible the team will welcome him back later this year to try and shoot for the playoffs.

For now, Golden State looks to hit .500 when it welcomes the Toronto Raptors into town on Sunday.