As the Phoenix Suns and Chris Paul are reportedly parting ways sometime soon, league sources claim that the 38-year-old guard plans on signing with a contending team in hopes of winning his first NBA Championship.
Despite his age, Paul is still an extremely skilled guard who could lend his talent to any organization with dreams of winning an NBA Title via veteran leadership, his elite playmaking, and his will to win.
In this article, I will rank the top five landing spots for Chris Paul.
Honorable Mention: Phoenix Suns
Despite rumors following the initial report, sources say that Chris Paul would prefer to stay in Phoenix and continue his quest for a championship alongside Devin Booker and Kevin Durant. Though reports claim that Chris Paul and the Suns met to discuss the All-Star point guard’s future in Phoenix, the possibility of Paul being waived was only one of many different outcomes for him this season. Phoenix will also explore opportunities to trade Chris Paul in a package deal with current center DeAndre Ayton.
5. Philadelphia 76ers
Mar 27, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden (1) against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
With the potential departure of current point guard (and Chris Paul’s former teammate) James Harden, the Philadelphia 76ers will have a near All-Star-sized hole to fill. Though it’s unlikely for the 76ers to completely replace Harden’s elite level of play (when he’s healthy, that is), Paul’s 8.9 assists per game (4th in the league) could help mend the offensive wound. Reigning league MVP Joel Embiid would likely pair well with Chris Paul’s playmaking, but the defensive-minded approach of new 76ers head coach Nick Nurse, paired with the fast-paced style of play that young guard Tyrese Maxey brings to the table, may clash with an aging CP3’s tempo.
4. Milwaukee Bucks
Jrue Holiday guards Chris Paul as he brings the ball up the court in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. RONALD MARTINEZ / GETTY IMAGES Sitting in fourth place on this list is the Milwaukee Bucks. Ironically, the Bucks may have been the team that eliminated Chris Paul’s final opportunity at winning an NBA Championship, but after an embarrassing first-round exit and a few coaching changes, Paul’s old enemies may become his last opportunity to play NBA Basketball. As Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez’s respective futures in Milwaukee are still unclear, Paul may be the guard the Bucks need. Pairing Paul next to an elite defender in Holiday may reignite Milwaukee’s Championship hopes.
3. Miami Heat
Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul (3) controls the ball around Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports)
With two Finals appearances since 2020 and Playoff riser Jimmy Butler, the Miami Heat may be the perfect fit for Chris Paul. Paul’s leadership would help to reinforce the “Heat Culture” cultivated by Pat Riley and Erik Spoelstra, and he would make an ideal candidate in the search that Miami will likely venture on in hopes of signing a new starting point guard. Paul would help relieve some of the offensive responsibilities that currently burden Adebayo and Butler, and his high IQ would likely benefit sharpshooters Duncan Robinson and Tyler Herro.
2. Los Angeles Clippers
(Jae C. Hong/Associated Press)
Who doesn’t like a reunion?
Chris Paul now has the opportunity to be a member of yet another star-powered Clippers team. The team has experienced a revolving door of point guards in recent years, but the Clippers desperately need a veteran point guard who isn’t joining their team as a last resort to revive their career. Although it may seem that Chris Paul is in a similar situation, he’s still a player willing to do nearly whatever it takes to succeed while elevating his teammates in the process. However, one major concern would be the possibility of injuries, as an aging CP3 is likely to face the same problems that have plagued the Clippers in past seasons.
1. Los Angeles Lakers
CP3 in a Lakers jersey is long overdue, particularly because it nearly happened 11 years ago. Now, Chris Paul has the opportunity to join forces with longtime friend LeBron James and capitalize on what may be both of their last Finals window. The Lakers, who have floated the idea of moving on from current point guard D’Angelo Russell, are looking for a new facilitator and have made it clear that they aren’t interested in pursuing Kyrie Irving, who will also be a free agent this offseason.
While Chris Paul signing with the Lakers would undoubtedly improve Anthony Davis’ game, and likely boost team chemistry in the process, Paul’s age and inability to keep up with the fast and young roster of the Lakers could prohibit this.
Delivered by Cullen Avent
