5 Most Realistic Landing Spots for Chris Paul

The franchise legend has yet to find himself a new team after being sent home by the Los Angeles Clippers.

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It has been four weeks since the Los Angeles Clippers sent Chris Paul home in the middle of an East Coast road trip. After his leadership style reportedly caused tensions within the locker room and with the coaching staff, the franchise icon was told that he was no longer a part of the plans in LA. Yet, he has yet to find himself a team.

Paul was ineligible to be traded until December 15, and the Clippers likely didn't want to waive him since that wouldn't have created enough cap space for them to sign a free agent. Since December 15, however, there hasn't been much movement on the trade front, either. The Clippers are currently wasting a roster spot on CP3 with no end to the drama in sight.

Once the Clippers inevitably move on from Paul, whether it's via a trade or a release, the 40-year-old point guard should have several suitors. Teams looking for more veteran competence, postseason experience, or point guard depth should be interested in landing Paul.

Los Angeles Lakers

It's safe to assume that this would be Paul's top choice. His interest in staying close to his family in Los Angeles is well-documented, and the Lakers are an obvious fit. Not only does he have a close relationship with LeBron James, but the Lakers could also use a backup point guard, especially with Austin Reaves expected to miss about a month with a calf injury.

Paul wouldn't have a big role with the Lakers when they are fully healthy, but he is a good luxury to have as a depth piece when they are looking for more shot creation and playmaking.

Dallas Mavericks

The Mavs are likely headed to a rebuild now that it's clear they are not headed anywhere with Anthony Davis. Their team could look very different after the February 5 trade deadline, but they could still use Chris Paul, as they are severely short-handed in the backcourt.

Building around Cooper Flagg going forward and with a massive hole at point guard, the Mavericks could benefit from Paul running the offense. This could help unlock Flagg by putting him in positions to succeed.

Houston Rockets

Another team that could use more point guard play is the Houston Rockets. This would be a return to Houston for Paul, where he spent two productive seasons. It is a different Rockets core now, built around Alperen Sengun and Kevin Durant, but their backcourt depth is lacking.

Fred VanVleet is out for the season. Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard are carrying most of the load as the point guards, but neither player has sufficient postseason experience. Paul could help mentor the young studs and play a small role off the bench when needed.

New Orleans Pelicans

Paul began his career in New Orleans and spent six seasons there. It would be nice to see Paul end his career where it all started.

The Pelicans can't give Paul a competitive team in his final season in the NBA, but if the Point God wants to take on more of a mentorship role, the Pels could certainly benefit from it. Stuck at the bottom of the Western Conference, the Pelicans have standout rookie point guard Jeremiah Fears, who could take advantage of Paul's experience and leadership.

Phoenix Suns

Paul had his only NBA Finals appearance with the Suns in 2021. After three successful seasons in Phoenix, he was eventually traded away for Bradley Beal, a move the Suns have regretted ever since.

The Suns are currently not the title contenders they were when Paul was there, but they are in the playoff chase and have exceeded expectations all season. With Jalen Green expected to be sidelined for longer, they could use Paul in the backcourt, especially since he already has good chemistry with Devin Booker.

Paul should be amenable to a move to the Suns because of the proximity to LA. Whether the Suns will be interested while things are going really well there, however, remains to be seen.