Over the summer, there was speculation that Chris Paul could reunite with the Phoenix Suns in free agency, but he ultimately signed with the Clippers. Everyone thought that he'd end his career in Los Angeles, especially after he announced at the end of November that the 2025-26 season would be his last. However, on a road trip at the beginning of December, the Clippers sent him home.
Soon after, Marc J. Spears reported that he was told the point guard is "absolutely not" done playing.
Paul has been away from the team since that road trip. He became trade-eligible on Dec. 15, but so far, all has been quiet on the CP3 trade front. LA could waive him or agree to a buyout, but the front office should see what it could get in return for the veteran point guard on the trade market.
Although he wanted to be in Los Angeles so he could be with his family, ending his career on that kind of sour note with the Clippers doesn't sound like something he'd want. If LA does trade him, it could mean leaving his family and the West Coast (insider Jake Fischer reported the Lakers aren't interested in him), but assuming he still wants this season to be his last, it wouldn't be for long.
What will happen with former Suns guard Chris Paul?
Over the weekend, The Stein Line reported (subscription required) that "there is no imminent solution to resolve Paul's on-court future." Fischer added that a CP3 trade may not happen until we get closer to the Feb. 5 deadline, and that the Clippers could use his salary in a larger trade. He may not stay wherever he ends up, as the team that acquires him could waive him, allowing him to choose his final stop.
Not only are the Lakers not expected to be interested in Paul, but Fischer added that the Rockets "aren't really weighing changes to their team at the moment and don't anticipate doing so until closer to the end of January." Houston's starting point guard, Fred VanVleet, tore his ACL in September.
It goes without saying that Paul is no longer the player he once was, which happens when you're in your 21st season. He played sparingly with the Clippers, averaging only 2.9 points and 3.3 assists per game in 14.3 minutes across 16 contests. However, Paul played all 82 games for the Spurs last season, averaging 8.8 points and 7.4 assists.
It will be interesting to see what happens with Paul at the deadline. Technically, a reunion could happen with the Suns, but don't get your hopes up on that, if that's what you want. It seems like he'd prefer to go somewhere he could help a team win a title, even if it's just with his leadership.