NBA Rumors: Warriors' Chris Paul, 76ers' Kyle Lowry Interest Clippers Ahead of FA

The Los Angeles Clippers could have a far different look at point guard next season.

With James Harden set to hit free agency and Russell Westbrook potentially opting out of a $4 million player option for the 2024-25 season, NBA reporter Marc Stein noted on Sunday that he was told the Clippers "should be added to the list of teams that could emerge as a suitor for potential free agent Chris Paul."

He also added veteran point guard Kyle Lowry to that list, noting that he "heard this week that Paul and Lowry, whose free agency is looming after finishing last season in Philadelphia, are veteran guards said to interest the Clippers... with a further variable to factor in stemming from Westbrook's still-to-be determined status."

Few teams will be more fascinating to monitor this offseason than the Clippers, who could also lose Paul George in free agency if they don't pony up the cash.

At least publicly, however, the Clippers have maintained that they hope to retain both George and Harden.

"We'd like to be able to bring back and retain Paul and James," president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank told reporters in early May. "We're hopeful we can, but also understand and respect the fact that they're free agents. Paul has a decision with his option. James will be an unrestricted free agent, so our intent is to bring him back, but also realize that they're elite players and they'll have choices."

Keeping George may require the Clippers to exceed the three-year, $150-million extension Kawhi Leonard signed with the team in January. The team can offer him up to a four-year, $221 million deal, though if the Clippers aren't willing to do a fourth year on his contract, George could seek that length of a deal on the open market.

If the Clippers do break the bank for George, however, Harden may not get the type of deal he seeks to remain in Los Angeles. And that could open up the door for a cheaper option like CP3 or Lowry.

Paul, 39, averaged just 9.2 points and 6.8 assists per game for the Golden State Warriors this past season, largely in a backup role. He appeared in 58 total games and remains a solid playmaker but one who is well past his prime. It's hard to know how much longer he'll be able to withstand the rigors of the long and physically demanding NBA season.

Lowry, 38, offers the same question marks, averaging 8.1 points and 4.2 assists in 60 games last season between the Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers.

If the Clippers lose Harden but are able to retain Westbrook, however, a player like Paul or Lowry wouldn't be required to start, allowing the team to managed their minutes more carefully.

The Clippers are readying for a summer of permutations. It's possible the team will be able to run it back, but it wouldn't be surprising if L.A. had a new look next season.