Chris Paul Reportedly 'Determined' to Play Closer to LA Home amid NBA Contract Rumors

There is a "growing belief" around the NBA that Chris Paul would prefer a West Coast destination if the veteran free agent returns for a 21st season, NBA insider Marc Stein reported on Friday.

According to Stein, people around the league believe Paul "is determined to play closer to his home base in Los Angeles if he indeed comes back."

Paul played the 2024-25 campaign on a one-year deal worth just under $11 million with the San Antonio Spurs. He told ESPN's Pat McAfee earlier this month that being close to his family in Los Angeles will be a priority for him next season.

"The past six seasons, I've lived without them," Paul said on June 5 about his teenage son and daughter. "So I go to San Antonio, Phoenix, Golden State... I've been around a few teams, but I've been away from them for the last six years. It's a little different. That's the conversation."

Paul continued, "I want to hoop, because I love to hoop, but at the same time I do want to be a dad."

Paul, who turned 40 in May, played in all 82 games for the Spurs last season. He averaged 8.8 points, 7.4 assists and 3.6 rebounds in 28 minutes per game.

Stein reported in May that there was "anticipation" in the NBA that Paul could be on the move after one season with the Spurs after the trade acquisition of De'Aaron Fox and a Rookie of the Year campaign from Stephon Castle.

The Spurs then added Rutgers guard Dylan Harper with the No. 2 pick of the 2025 draft, further adding backcourt depth and seemingly confirming that Paul wouldn't be returning to San Antonio.

Paul previously spent six of the best seasons of his career with the Los Angeles Clippers, where he shone as one of the league's best playmakers and defenders between 2011 and 2017.

However, placing him as a backup to James Harden could potentially be a problem given the reported tension between the two players during their time with the Houston Rockets.

Paul could also potentially seek a contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, although he would see fewer ball-handling opportunities on a team led by LeBron James and Luka Dončić.

If those teams are interested in adding a veteran guard, potentially with the help of a mid-level exception, Paul could extend his NBA career while staying close to home next season.