Chris Paul has truly become the veteran in the NBA and is now nearing journeyman status late in his distinguished career. After a four-year stint with the Phoenix Suns that ended in 2023, he spent a season with the Golden State Warriors.
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He then took his experience to San Antonio to help guide a young and talented Spurs team. That move was very much like what he did with the Oklahoma City Thunder back in 2019. Now that he’s a free agent once again, Paul’s name is starting to gain traction in the market.
At this point in NBA free agency, a lot of the top dogs are gone, and some teams are putting the finishing touches to their roster construction for the summer. Which might not make the veteran’s chances look very bright, but experts feel otherwise.
Paul has now become one of the most popular names due to his durability and leadership. After all, he played all 82 games last season despite being 40 years old, and almost helped the Spurs get into the Play-In Tournament before a freak blood clot ended star Victor Wembanyama’s season.
Recently, ESPN insider Bobby Marks joined Hannah Storm of SportsCenter to talk about Paul’s status and who he’s hearing is getting ready to offer the 12-time All-Star a contract heading into his 21st season in the NBA. Both the franchises Mark mentioned could do well with a veteran guard like Paul.
“I would keep an eye on two teams here, Hannah. The Milwaukee Bucks, certainly with the loss of Damian Lillard. And, his former team, the Phoenix Suns,” Marks said.
It makes sense, given that the Bucks need guard play after losing Damian Lillard. Paul would be able to slot right in as a starter and help Giannis Antetokounmpo steady a ship that is in rough waters. It would also go a long way in showing Antetokounmpo that the team is still willing to compete.
For the Suns, a reunion would make sense, too. Devin Booker is their listed point guard. But he is a shooting guard. Paul would be an easy plug-and-play floor general. He could command the offense.
Marks named these destinations, but there’s a big if. CP3 prefers Los Angeles, wants to be near his family. This was a known desire. Paul recently spoke about his family. He was away for six seasons with the Rockets, while they stayed on in LA. He clearly doesn’t want a repeat.
So, maybe a reunion with the Clippers is in order? Or perhaps a newfound relationship with the Lakers? They also need a point guard. This would back up Luka Doncic, who’s had recent conditioning issues.
Paul could also decide to walk away from the game entirely to become a full-time dad. His son is 16, and his daughter is almost a teenager as well. He’s probably ready to settle down and do things with his kids that basketball hasn’t allowed him to be around for.
Whatever Paul decides to do, we’ll be watching and waiting with great interest. He’s arguably one of the greatest players in the NBA’s history without a ring. It has to be the only thing still motivating him to come into work every day.
