Chris Paul’s NBA journey isn’t over just yet - but it’s clear the end is in sight. At 40 years old, the future Hall of Famer is reportedly parting ways with the Los Angeles Clippers, and it looks like he’s eyeing one final stop before calling it a career.
Paul, in his second stint with the Clippers, was sent home amid reported tension with the team - and more specifically, head coach Ty Lue. While the Clippers begin figuring out their next move, Paul is expected to find a new landing spot sooner rather than later.
Now, let’s be real: CP3 isn’t the same player who used to carve up defenses with surgical pick-and-rolls and clutch mid-range daggers. But he’s still got something in the tank.
Just last season with the San Antonio Spurs, Paul averaged 8.8 points and 7.4 assists over 82 games, logging a respectable 28 minutes per night. That’s not nothing.
He’s still a capable floor general, a steady defender, and a guy who can raise the IQ of any second unit in the league.
So where could Paul go that makes sense - not just for him, but for a team with real postseason aspirations? Because let’s be clear: he’s not signing up for a rebuild. Here are three potential destinations that could give Paul a meaningful role and, more importantly, a shot at one last deep playoff run.
Cleveland Cavaliers: A Veteran Steadying Hand
At first glance, Cleveland might not seem like a natural fit. They’ve got Darius Garland and Lonzo Ball - two young point guards with plenty of upside.
But here’s the problem: neither has been consistently available or productive this season. Garland and Ball are both battling injuries and inefficiency, shooting just 37.5% and 30.4% from the field, respectively.
That’s where Paul could slide in. He wouldn’t need to carry the offense, just stabilize it.
He could spell Ball on nights he sits, and provide a veteran presence to guide the offense when Garland’s shot isn’t falling. The Cavs have a talented core, but they need someone who can bring order to the chaos.
Paul’s experience and poise could be exactly what this group needs to take the next step.
Milwaukee Bucks: A Smart Fit for a Contender
The Bucks are in a delicate spot. They’ve got Giannis Antetokounmpo in his prime, but they’re hovering around .500 and searching for the right mix to make another title run. Adding Chris Paul could be a sneaky-good move - not as a starter necessarily, but as a high-IQ bench piece who can still give you quality minutes in big games.
Right now, Milwaukee is leaning on Kevin Porter Jr. at the point, but Paul could give them flexibility - either pushing Porter to the bench or providing a change-of-pace option when the starters sit. He’d also be a calming presence in crunch time, something the Bucks have lacked at times when the offense gets stagnant.
Of course, this only works if Milwaukee can right the ship. Paul’s not signing up for a team that’s barely scraping into the play-in. But if the Bucks can make a push in the standings, he could be the kind of savvy late-season addition that helps stabilize a playoff rotation.
Denver Nuggets: Depth for a Defending Champ
If there’s one team that makes a ton of sense, it’s Denver. The Nuggets have their stars in place - Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic are the engine - but depth has been a concern ever since their 2023 title run. That’s where Paul could fit in beautifully.
He wouldn’t need to start. He wouldn’t even need to play heavy minutes.
But as the backup point guard, he’d instantly become the second-best ball-handler on the roster. More importantly, he’d give Denver’s second unit a true floor general - someone who can organize the offense, take care of the ball, and keep things humming when Murray and Jokic hit the bench.
This is a role Paul could thrive in at this stage of his career. Limited minutes, high impact, and a real shot at another ring. For a player who’s done just about everything except win a championship, Denver might be the perfect final chapter.
Final Thoughts
Chris Paul isn’t chasing stats or minutes anymore. He’s chasing a ring. And while he may not be the All-NBA force he once was, there’s still value in what he brings - leadership, vision, and a deep understanding of how to win basketball games.
Whether it’s Cleveland, Milwaukee, Denver, or somewhere else entirely, the right team could get a major boost from one of the smartest point guards the league has ever seen. One more run.
One more shot. And maybe, just maybe, a storybook ending.