Clippers Plan to Move On from Chris Paul; 40-Year-Old Guard Intends to Keep Playing
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Los Angeles — The LA Clippers confirmed Tuesday night that Chris Paul has appeared in his final game for the franchise, even though league rules prevent the club from trading the veteran guard before December 15. Releasing him immediately would also complicate the salary sheet, as the team sits less than $1.3 million below the NBA’s hard cap.
Paul, 40, publicly stated earlier this month that the 2025-26 campaign would wrap up his Hall of Fame career, but he has no plans to walk away yet. “He does want to play,” ESPN’s Marc J. Spears reported on NBA Today when asked if retirement was on the table.
Landing a new job will be tougher than it once was. After starting all 82 games for San Antonio a season ago, Paul’s production dipped sharply in Los Angeles. Over 16 appearances, he averaged 14.3 minutes, 2.9 points and 3.3 assists while shooting 32 percent from the floor, 33 percent from three and 50 percent at the line — all career lows.
Locker-Room Fit Raises Questions
Several league sources told Heavy.com’s Steve Bulpett that Paul’s blunt communication style wore thin inside the Clippers’ veteran locker room. One executive said any team considering him must believe it is “one guy away” and possess strong internal discipline to handle “the whole CP3 experience.”
Another front-office official suggested Paul could still help an Eastern Conference club such as Orlando or Detroit by easing the playmaking burden on younger guards like Cade Cunningham.
Family Considerations Still in Play
Paul chose the Clippers last offseason to remain close to his family in Los Angeles. Whether he is willing to relocate across the country remains unclear, but Spears noted that the 12-time All-Star will evaluate options as they arise.
For now, the veteran’s future hinges on a team willing to balance roster space, salary-cap math and locker-room chemistry for one more shot with the 40-year-old floor general.
Source: Hoops Wire
