Chris Paul Off Clippers After Being Sent Home, What Are His Top NBA Landing Spots?

Twenty-one games into what is believed to be his final NBA season, Chris Paul will no longer be playing for the Los Angeles Clippers.

Paul announced on social media the Clippers were sending him home as they were traveling to Atlanta for a game on Wednesday against the Hawks:

The Clippers confirmed Paul will no longer be on the team in a statement to NBA insider Chris Haynes:

While there are no obvious landing spots given Paul's age and decline in performance this season, some teams have a need at point guard that could be a fit if they want to bring him in.

The one team desperately seeking at help at the point right now is the Minnesota Timberwolves. Anthony Edwards has been put in that role, but it's not the best use of his skill set. Julius Randle leads the team with 6.0 assists per game.

A return to the Houston Rockets, who he played with for two seasons from 2017 to '19, would make some sense. Paul wouldn't have to take on a big role since Reed Sheppard and Aaron Holiday have played well, but he would give head coach Ime Udoka more depth to utilize.

Either of those two teams would also give Paul a chance to compete for the NBA title that has eluded him throughout his storied career. The future Hall of Famer has indicated that this will be his final season after 21 years in the NBA.

It remains to be seen exactly how the separation will play out. The Clippers' options include exploring trade opportunities, negotiating a buyout or paying the remainder of Paul's $3.6 million contract by waiving him.

Spotrac's Keith Smith noted waiving Paul would likely be a last-resort option because of the roster and financial implications it would create for the Clippers.

Since Paul was signed as a free agent over the summer, he doesn't become trade eligible until Dec. 15.

Paul signing with the Clippers in the offseason was meant to be a feel-good opportunity, as one of the best players in franchise history returned to the organization to help push them over the top in the Western Conference.

Instead, the Clippers look like a mess right now. Their 5-16 record is tied with the Sacramento Kings for the second-worst in the West.

Paul was barely playing and was ineffective in the minutes he was getting. The 12-time All-Star is averaging 2.9 points on 32.1 percent shooting and 3.3 assists per game in 16 appearances.