Chris Paul's Top Landing Spots in NBA Free Agency Amid Lakers, Clippers Rumors

Chris Paul is set to hit the free agency market after the Golden State Warriors waived him on Sunday.

Paul, 39, had $30 million guaranteed for him for next season had the Warriors not waived him before Sunday. He'll now get to explore the free agency market in search of what could be his final stop in the NBA.

Paul is out of his prime and likely entering the final years of his illustrious career. Last season, he averaged 9.2 points and 6.8 assists, playing 26.4 minutes per game mostly off the bench for Golden State.

He's not the MVP-caliber player he once was, but he could still be a solid veteran presence for a handful of teams. Ahead of the start of free agency, here are a few top landing spots for Paul.

Los Angeles Lakers

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LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 16: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Chris Paul #3 of the Golden State Warriors look on during the game on March 16, 2024 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

Last week, NBA insider Marc Stein reported that the Los Angeles Lakers could potentially make a bid for Paul in free agency.

Paul and Lakers star LeBron James have a friendship spanning nearly 20 years, but the two have never gotten the chance to play together.

James has linked up with the other two members of the "Banana Boat Team," playing with Dwyane Wade in Miami and Carmelo Anthony in Los Angeles, but has yet to team up with Paul. As the two prepare for the end of their careers, this could be the chance to finally make it happen.

Friendships aside, the Lakers could use another veteran presence in their locker room as they look to contend for another championship. Paul has seen everything there is to see in the NBA, and he could help develop Los Angeles' young talent.

Signing with an NBA Finals-caliber team like the Lakers could also be favorable for Paul, who is still seeking his first championship.

Los Angeles Clippers

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LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 14: Chris Paul #3 of the Golden State Warriors high fives Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers after the game on December 14, 2023 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)

Another path to an NBA championship for Paul could be Los Angeles' other team.

Stein reported Sunday that Paul would "interest" the Los Angeles Clippers in free agency, so they could be a team to watch for.

The Clippers will return veteran point guard Russell Westbrook next season after he picked up his $4 million player option for the 2024-25 season. Los Angeles also re-signed James Harden to a two-year, $70 million deal on Sunday. Those two deals came after Kawhi Leonard's three-year extension back in January.

Those deals mean the Clippers will run it back with a roster full of players hungry to win a championship, though one key piece could be missing.

Paul George will be a free agent on Monday and could very likely depart from Los Angeles. If the Clippers make a move for Paul, that could potentially sway George into returning, though it's hard to say how much stock he would put into an addition like that.

Either way, Paul has unfinished business with the Clippers after a disappointing first tenure, and he could have to chance to help lead them to a title if he returns.

San Antonio Spurs

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SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 31: Chris Paul #3 of the Golden State Warriors and Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs talk after the game on March 31, 2024 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photos by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images)

Along with the Clippers, Stein reported Sunday that the San Antonio Spurs are a team potentially looking to vie for Paul.

Could Paul finish his career alongside one of the most exciting young players the league has ever seen? It's certainly a fun prospect to think about.

The San Antonio Spurs, led by rookie phenom Victor Wembanyama, are one of the youngest teams in the league and are in need of a veteran leader. Paul could fulfill that need while getting to play for one of the best coaches in NBA history in Gregg Popovich.

Some of Paul's best seasons in the NBA came when he was the catalyst for the Lob City Clippers. While it would be a different experience this time, he could relive some of those glory years while throwing alley-oops to Wembanyama.

Signing with San Antonio would likely mean Paul has to sacrifice the chance to compete for a championship, as the Spurs are probably still too young to contend just yet.

Phoenix Suns

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA - OCTOBER 24: Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball against Chris Paul #3 of the Golden State Warriors during the game on October 24, 2023 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)

Despite assembling a roster of All-Stars and former All-Stars during the 2023-24 season, the Phoenix Suns folded against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs.

What was the super team missing? A true point guard.

The Suns utilized a number of different facilitators in their offense, primarily shooting guard Devin Booker, but the lack of a true point guard was evident all year, especially as the Timberwolves swept them.

It would feel a bit silly for the Suns to bring back Paul just a season after trading him to the Washington Wizards, who ultimately traded him to the Warriors, but it could be exactly what Phoenix needs to win a title.

Signing with the Suns would also give Paul another chance to be a starter after coming off the bench last season. He could also do what he does best for Phoenix—facilitate the offense and rack up assists.