Chris Paul’s best landing spots in NBA free agency amid rumors about the Lakers and Clippers

Chris Paul will hit the free agency market after the Golden State Warriors released him on Sunday.

Paul, 39, would have been guaranteed $30 million for next season if the Warriors hadn’t released him before Sunday. He can now hit the free agency market and look for his final stop in the NBA.

Paul is no longer at his best and is likely entering the final years of his illustrious career. Last season, he averaged 9.2 points and 6.8 assists and played 26.4 minutes per game, mostly as a backup for Golden State.

He’s not the MVP player he once was, but he could still be a solid veteran for a handful of teams. Before free agency begins, here are some top places to look for Paul.

Last week, NBA Insider Marc Stein reported that the Los Angeles Lakers could possibly make an offer for Paul as a free agent.

Paul and Lakers star LeBron James have been friends for nearly 20 years, but the two have never had the opportunity to play together.

James has teamed up with the other two members of the Banana Boat Team, playing with Dwyane Wade in Miami and Carmelo Anthony in Los Angeles, but he has yet to work with Paul. As the two prepare for the end of their careers, this could be the chance to finally make it happen.

Friendships aside, the Lakers could use another experienced player in their locker room if they want to compete for another championship. Paul has seen everything there is to see in the NBA and he could help nurture Los Angeles’ young talent.

A contract with a team like the Lakers, which could advance to the NBA Finals, could also be beneficial for Paul, who is still waiting for his first championship title.

Another path to an NBA championship for Paul could be the other team in Los Angeles.

Stein reported on Sunday that the Los Angeles Clippers are interested in signing Paul as a free agent, so they could be a team to keep an eye on.

The Clippers will bring back veteran point guard Russell Westbrook next season after he exercises his $4 million player option for the 2024-25 season. Los Angeles also re-signed James Harden to a two-year, $70 million deal on Sunday. Those two deals came after Kawhi Leonard signed a three-year contract extension in January.

These deals mean the Clippers will enter the game with a roster full of players hungry for a championship, although a key player could be missing.

Paul George becomes a free agent on Monday and could very well leave Los Angeles. If the Clippers sign Paul, that could potentially entice George to return, although it’s hard to say how much value he would place on such a signing.

Be that as it may, Paul still has a score to settle with the Clippers after a disappointing first term and could have the chance to lead them to a title if he returns.

Stein reported on Sunday that in addition to the Clippers, the San Antonio Spurs are also a potential team that wants to compete for Paul.

Could Paul end his career alongside one of the most exciting young players the league has ever seen? It’s certainly an exciting prospect.

The San Antonio Spurs, led by rookie phenom Victor Wembanyama, are one of the youngest teams in the league and need a veteran leader. Paul could fill that need while also playing for one of the best coaches in NBA history, Gregg Popovich.

Some of Paul’s best seasons in the NBA came when he was the catalyst for the Lob City Clippers. Although it would be a different experience this time, he could relive some of those glory years while throwing alley-oops to Wembanyama.

A contract with San Antonio would probably mean that Paul would have to forego the chance to compete for the championship, as the Spurs are probably still too young to be able to keep up right now.

Although the Phoenix Suns were able to assemble a roster of All-Stars and former All-Stars for the 2023–24 season, they were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves.

What was missing from the super team? A real point guard.

The Suns utilized a variety of playmakers in their offense, most notably shooting guard Devin Booker, but the lack of a true point guard was evident throughout the year, especially when they were swept by the Timberwolves.

It would seem a little silly for the Suns to bring Paul back just one season after he was traded to the Washington Wizards, who ultimately dealt him to the Warriors, but it could be exactly what Phoenix needs to win a title.

A deal with the Suns would also give Paul another chance to be in the starting lineup after coming off the bench last season, and he would be able to do what he does best in Phoenix – support the offense and collect assists.