Phoenix Suns

NBA insider thinks Los Angeles Clippers could be logical landing spot for Chris Paul

Published by
Brad Sullivan

In the opinion of one basketball insider, the Los Angeles Clippers might be a logical landing spot for Chris Paul.

ESPN’s Zach Lowe said (at the 48:50 mark) on his podcast that if Paul is dealt by the Phoenix Suns, the Clippers could be the team that acquires him, with changes in the league’s collective bargaining agreement coming soon.

“Lots of teams that can use Chris Paul for a short-term contract that you can get out of after one year,” Lowe said. “And I mention the aggregation thing only because of one team I would look at. And this is through no reporting. I have no inside sources. The Clippers have telegraphed that they think they need a point guard to run their team.”

Lowe’s reference to the “aggregation thing” deals with new trading rules that begin after the end of next season. One of the teams that would be affected by the changes is the Clippers.

Paul’s career is winding down at age 38, with the veteran recently completing his 18th NBA season. His current contract has two more years to run at just under $31 million for each year.

However, for now, Paul’s contract is only guaranteed for $15.8 million next season. If he’s not released by June 28 of this year, next season’s contract becomes fully guaranteed.

Should the Clippers trade for Paul, they could conceivably release him before June 28, 2024. That’s because the final year of Paul’s deal becomes fully guaranteed if he isn’t released by that date.

Paul spent six seasons with the Clippers from 2011 to 2017. In June 2017, Paul was dealt to the Houston Rockets and then spent time with the Oklahoma City Thunder before being traded to the Suns in November 2020.

During his first year with the Suns, Paul nearly led the team to the franchise’s first NBA title. The near miss was even more frustrating for the veteran, who has yet to be part of an NBA championship team.

The Suns appear ready to focus the team’s offense on Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, which makes Paul a bit expendable. One of the reasons for that expected change is the recent dismissal of former Suns head coach Monty Williams.

Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue would no doubt welcome the return of Paul, as it would bolster the team’s backcourt for the immediate future.

While Paul could indeed end up with the Clippers during the offseason, it remains to be seen if that will come to fruition.

Brad Sullivan

Brad has written on a variety of both NBA and NFL topics and has worked previously as a sports information director at the collegiate level. A lifetime fan of sports, he's witnessed countless great moments in different sports and understands that stories can be compelling from both the perspective of winners and losers. As a frustrated fan of Cleveland sports, he experienced something unprecedented when the Cavaliers won the city's first championship in 52 years.

Published by
Brad Sullivan

Recent Posts

Ja Morant opens up about Grizzlies firing Taylor Jenkins: ‘It’s tough for me’

Guard Ja Morant suited up for the first time since the Memphis Grizzlies fired Taylor…

2 hours ago

Tyrese Haliburton on ‘easy decision’ to name SGA MVP: ‘If you took a player poll, I’m sure he would win’

Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has a compelling case to win this season's MVP…

1 day ago

Report: ‘Early expectation’ is that Clint Capela will sign elsewhere this summer

Big man Clint Capela is in his fifth season playing for the Atlanta Hawks, and…

3 days ago

Stephen A. says LeBron is in his feelings: ‘Could it be because I don’t believe you’re the G.O.A.T.?’

ESPN's Stephen A. Smith claimed on Wednesday that if his confrontation with Los Angeles Lakers…

4 days ago

LeBron James reflects on 2007 Cavs roster that he took to NBA Finals: ‘How is that possible?’

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James recently reflected on the 2006-07 Cleveland Cavaliers and their…

5 days ago

Shannon Sharpe implies Jamal Murray defers to Nikola Jokic like Kobe deferred to Shaq: ‘Murray is more than capable’

An ankle injury has kept Denver Nuggets star big man Nikola Jokic sidelined for more…

6 days ago