The Los Angeles Clippers made a stunning decision regarding Chris Paul early Wednesday morning.
The Clippers announced they are parting ways with Paul, and he will no longer be with the team. This is stunning given the franchise legend re-signed with Los Angeles to finish out his illustrious career as a Clipper and intended to retire at season’s end.
There are no details released about how exactly the organization intends to move on from Paul, leaving the NBA world to speculate.
3 Destinations for Chris Paul if the Clippers Trade Him
ESPN’s Bobby Marks laid out the Clippers’ options most simply. Either the team can waive his $3.6 million guaranteed contract and eat his salary, work on a trade beginning December 15, or agree to a buyout with Paul.
Regardless of which route the organization takes, there will be great speculation about Paul’s next and likely final NBA home. Here’s a look at three possible destinations for the veteran All-Star:
Oklahoma City Thunder
Paul spent the 2019-2020 campaign with the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he had a major impact. He averaged 17.6 points and 6.7 assists on 48.9% shooting in 70 games. Not to mention, he finished seventh in MVP voting, earned an All-Star selection, and made the All-NBA second team.
While it’s hard to imagine Paul finding a spot in OKC’s loaded rotation, he could act as an off-court and sideline mentor to this youthful Thunder roster. There’s no denying it’s not the farewell tour Paul had hoped for, but it’s an organization that certainly appreciated his talents during their time together.
San Antonio Spurs
Similarly to the Thunder, Paul had an impactful one-year stint with the San Antonio Spurs. Although he had greatly regressed by the 2024-2025 season, he still started in all 82 games for the Spurs. He averaged 8.8 points and 7.4 assists on 42.7% shooting.
San Antonio’s backcourt looks quite different compared to when Paul was there, as the front office has since brought in De’Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper. Like the Thunder, it would be tough for the 12-time All-Star to find substantial playing time. However, Harper, Stephon Castle, and even Fox would greatly benefit from his presence.
Retirement
Maybe Paul realizes it’s time to call it a career and goes out on a sad note. In the Clippers’ statement regarding him, it read, “We will work with him on the next step of his career.”
There’s a possibility those next steps include a retirement press conference and beginning preparations for a jersey retirement. If Paul was truly set on retiring a Clipper even after this jaw-dropping choice, then retirement is the route to take.
