Chris Paul and the Los Angeles Clippers are headed for separation. After signing Paul as an unrestricted free agent during the offseason, the organization opted to sideline the franchise legend amid internal turmoil. It began exploring ways to remove him from the roster. However, league rules prevent the Clippers from trading Paul until Dec. 15, leaving the team with limited options for parting ways with him.
With Paul’s tenure in Los Angeles effectively at an end, speculation is already intensifying about the next chapter for the future Hall of Famer.
What’s the Latest on Chris Paul’s Future?
NBA insider Jake Fischer reported on The Stein Line that Paul is the most likely player to be traded when Dec. 15 arrives.
“There might be no player leaguewide, in fact, with a greater likelihood of getting moved next Monday than Clippers guard Chris Paul,” Fischer wrote.
Another option would be waiving Paul, but Fischer noted the Clippers are not expected to take that path. The clearest resolution from a salary‑cap standpoint would be a direct trade for another player on a veteran minimum contract. With the team hard‑capped at the first apron and positioned only slightly more than $1 million below that threshold, waiving Paul would prevent them from signing a replacement. Such a move would leave the roster at 13 players while eliminating the flexibility required to add a 14th, as league rules mandate after a two‑week grace period.
Despite the rapid unraveling of circumstances, the Clippers intend to send Paul to a team of his choosing for his farewell tour.
“I’ve also been told … in strong terms … that the Clippers do want to work in tandem with Paul and his CAA representation to find him a new home. The 40-year-old indicated last week that he is more likely than not to keep playing even if it means leaving Los Angeles and league sources insist that the Clippers, in a nod to Paul’s status as a franchise legend, do want to help him relocate.”
Fischer also reported that the primary factor in determining Paul’s next and final stop will be playing time and role, which are expected to outweigh logistical considerations.
A second around-the-NBA notebook from @JakeLFischer in a span of three days? Yup: It’s that time of year as Dec. 15 draws near.
LOTS of fresh Trade Season Intel from Jake: https://t.co/hGhqr7QKfF pic.twitter.com/icY68goyhO
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) December 9, 2025
Fischer also reported that the decisive factor in determining Paul’s next and final destination will be playing time and role, which are anticipated to outweigh logistical concerns. With the Clippers this season, he posted career‑low statistics across the board.
