Days after the surprising news that the Los Angeles Clippers have decided to part ways with Chris Paul, the 21-year veteran has yet to address the issue and speak on his future with the league and his next steps.
For context, Paul is widely regarded as the player who put Clippers basketball on the map and he is considered by many as the franchise’s GOAT. CP3 played seven seasons with the Clippers from 2011 to 2017 and led the team to six straight postseason appearances.
During the 2025 offseason, Paul made the decision to return to the Clippers, allowing him to play closer to home and be near his family. He also signed with the team with the intention of retiring as a Clipper.
Last Wednesday morning, just two months into a Clippers season that can best be described as abysmal, Paul was unceremoniously sent home, while the team was in Atlanta in the middle of a five-game road trip, much to the shock of his teammates.
What does the future hold for Paul?
Paul confirmed last week that this would be his NBA season, but that was before he parted ways with the team. Now, his future remains uncertain. Will he just call it a career? Will he sign with another team to get the sendoff that he deserves?
While former teammate Lou Williams said that Paul was “at peace” with his career coming to an abrupt end, senior NBA writer Marc J. Spears is reporting differently. On an episode of NBA Today, Spears, who spoke with Paul’s camp, provided an update on how the 12-time All-Star is doing amid the controversy.
“They said under the circumstances, he’s about as good as he can be. He’s been very happy about former players and current players who have reached out, whether on social media or behind the scenes, offering support,” he said.
“So the big question: Does he want to retire? Is he done? I was told absolutely not.” Spears added that he was told Paul is looking to get back on the court. “He does want to play, but I remember interviewing him before the season, and the main reason he signed with the Clippers is to be close to family, go home, and try to finish it there. So where does he go from here?”
The unfortunate reality, as Spears continued to elaborate, is that there are only ten teams in the league with roster spots. Whether these teams would be willing to give Paul a spot is a different discussion altogether.
Where does Paul go?
Perhaps the silver lining in this situation is that it happened fairly early in the season, which means there’s a greater chance Paul can sign with a team that can offer him a proper final season.
Taking into consideration that Paul wants to remain close to home, the most logical fit is for Paul to sign with the Clippers’ crosstown rivals, the Los Angeles Lakers, finally making that vetoed 2011 trade turn into reality. It also helps that Paul’s one of the closest friends of LeBron James, who is on the Lakers.
Going outside of Los Angeles but still staying in California, Paul can also consider returning to the Golden State, which is currently a little thin in terms of point guard rotation due to Stephen Curry’s injury. Another California option would be the Sacramento Kings, although the Kings already have a logjam at the point guard position.
Ultimately, it will all depend on which team has a spot to offer and whether it aligns with Paul’s desire to play close to home.
About the author
Santino Honasan
NBA writer at Basketball Network