Chris Paul’s second stint with the Clippers is officially over-and not in the way anyone expected. After returning to Los Angeles with hopes of finishing his storied career where he helped redefine the franchise, Paul is now out, following what the team described as “disruptive” behavior during a rough start to the season.
The Clippers, clearly ready to move on, sent Paul home in the middle of a road trip. That alone tells you everything you need to know about how far the relationship had deteriorated.
Paul, now 38 and in the twilight of his Hall of Fame career, is averaging just 2.9 points in 14.3 minutes per game-career-lows across the board. At this stage, no team is bringing him in to change the outcome of a playoff series.
But that doesn’t mean he’s without value. Veteran leadership, playoff experience, and a voice that commands respect in the locker room still matter-especially to younger teams or contenders looking to shore up their locker room culture.
Because Paul is on a veteran minimum deal worth just over $3.5 million, he’s not hard to move financially. He becomes trade-eligible on December 15, and while the Clippers can’t replace him outright due to first-apron cap restrictions, they’re unlikely to demand much in return.
So where could he land? Let’s break down three potential destinations that make sense for different reasons-whether it’s proximity to home, a chance to contribute on the floor, or simply one last shot at being around the game he’s helped shape for nearly two decades.
1. Los Angeles Lakers: The Home Option
Let’s start with the obvious. The Lakers don’t need Chris Paul from a basketball standpoint.
Between LeBron James, Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, and Marcus Smart, the Lakers are more than set when it comes to playmaking. But that’s not really the point here.
Paul’s decision to return to the Clippers in the first place was largely driven by family. He lives in Los Angeles, and being close to home clearly matters to him at this stage. If he’s cut or traded and then waived, the Lakers are the most logical landing spot for that reason alone.
There’s also the LeBron factor. Paul and James are longtime friends-members of the famed "Banana Boat" crew-and if LeBron wants Paul around for the stretch run, the front office will almost certainly listen.
The Lakers do have an open roster spot, though they can’t fill it until January 19 due to cap restrictions. Still, if they’re looking to add a 15th man down the line, Paul would be an easy fit culturally and personally.
This wouldn’t be about minutes or stats. It would be about presence.
About one of the game’s most respected voices joining a locker room full of veterans chasing one more ring. If Paul wants to stay close to home and LeBron gives the green light, this is the most seamless fit.
2. Minnesota Timberwolves: The Basketball Fit
If Paul still wants to play-and not just be around the game-the Timberwolves might be his best bet. Minnesota is off to a solid start, sitting at 13-8, but they’re thin behind starting point guard Mike Conley, who’s also 37. Rob Dillingham, the second-year guard, hasn’t yet shown he’s ready for a major role on a contending team.
Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle handle a lot of the playmaking duties, so backup point guard minutes aren’t a glaring hole-but they’re certainly a need. And Paul, even in limited minutes, could bring poise and structure to a second unit that lacks a true floor general.
This would be a more basketball-driven move. Paul wouldn’t play heavy minutes, but he’d likely see more floor time than he would in Los Angeles.
And while Minnesota isn’t exactly close to home, it’s a different proposition now that he’d only be committing to a half-season. That’s a much easier sell for a veteran with family priorities.
If Paul wants to contribute meaningfully on the court and still be part of a team with real playoff aspirations, the Timberwolves offer the best balance of opportunity and competitiveness.
3. Sacramento Kings: The Proximity Pivot
No, the Kings aren’t contenders. At 5-16, they’re staring down the lottery, and the roster is overcrowded with ballhandlers like Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, Malik Monk, and Dennis Schroder. But Sacramento is still in California, and that might matter more than anything else at this stage in Paul’s career.
If the Kings decide to blow things up-and signs are pointing in that direction-Paul could actually fill a need. The team lacks a true table-setter to help maximize Domantas Sabonis’ playmaking from the post, and none of their young players, like Keegan Murray or Nique Clifford, project as lead guards. Even now, the Kings don’t have a traditional point guard to steady the ship when things get chaotic.
Coach Doug Christie has made it clear he’s frustrated with the team’s effort. That’s exactly where a veteran like Paul comes in. He’s never been afraid to hold teammates accountable, and his presence alone could help establish a stronger culture-especially if the team leans into a youth movement.
Sacramento isn’t L.A., but it’s a quick flight away, and Paul would get several games against both Los Angeles teams. If staying close to home is priority No. 1 and competing for a title isn’t, the Kings offer a soft landing spot where Paul could still have a voice and a role.
At this point, Paul’s future isn’t about numbers or accolades. It’s about fit-on the floor, in the locker room, and in life.
Whether he lands with a contender, a young team in transition, or simply stays in California to be near his family, one thing is clear: Chris Paul still has something to offer. It just may not be in the way we’re used to seeing.