Los Angeles continues to look for a new home for veteran point guard Chris Paul after the 40-year-old became trade-eligible on December 15, according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line.
Paul, who is on a one-year minimum contract, is currently away from the Clippers following the organization’s decision to part ways with the longtime franchise cornerstone. Team officials are working with his representatives to identify a destination that meets his preferences, but no deal is considered close.
Possible deadline maneuver
League sources told Fischer that Paul could be folded into a larger transaction closer to the February 5 trade deadline. Should that occur, the acquiring club might waive him, allowing the 11-time All-NBA guard to enter free agency and sign with any team.
The Lakers have often been linked to Paul, but Fischer reports Los Angeles does not intend to pursue him. Houston could use additional backcourt depth, yet the Rockets are expected to stand pat until at least late January because they are hard-capped at the first apron.
Harden not available
The Clippers have informed rival teams they are not discussing trades involving James Harden. The 35-year-old owns an implied no-trade clause for 2025/26 and holds a $42.3 million player option for 2026/27, partially guaranteed for $13.3 million. Harden would likely require clarity on his future salary or a new contract before waiving his trade veto power, Fischer notes.
Other point-guard notes
• Suns guard Collin Gillespie, enjoying a breakout campaign, will reach unrestricted free agency in 2026. Rival executives project a contract in the range of the three-year, $27 million deal Ty Jerome signed with Memphis last summer.
• The Cavaliers have shown no interest in moving either Darius Garland or Jarrett Allen during the season despite outside monitoring.
• Knicks rookie Tyler Kolek’s recent surge has led opposing clubs to wonder whether New York will prioritize frontcourt help instead of a veteran point guard ahead of the deadline. The team’s ultimate target remains uncertain.
Source: Hoops Rumors
