Getty Image / Ronald Martinez
After 3 years as a member of the Phoenix Suns, it looks like Chris Paul will be spending this NBA offseason looking for employment elsewhere.
He hasn’t actually been released yet, but the expectation has been that the Suns will move on since they were eliminated from the playoffs by the Denver Nuggets.
The end to his time with Suns comes without the ring he hoped to finally win with the organization.
Despite having lost a step over the last couple of years and regularly dealing with injuries, Paul should still attract interest from some contenders when he hits the open market.
Last night, ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski revealed 4 teams that could pursue Paul. According to Wojnarowski, the Lakers, Clippers, Knicks, and Warriors could all be interested in CP3 when he hits free agency.
ESPN Adrian Wojnarowski: “If Chris Paul’s out there as a free agent this summer, look at the 2 teams in LA, the Clippers & Lakers; the Knicks in New York; the Golden State Warriors…” pic.twitter.com/xehNrXEvC5
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) June 10, 2023
When the news broke that the Suns were planning to waive Paul, the Lakers were the team that NBA fans immediately began speculating he would join. The team could have an opening at point guard if they don’t re-sign D’Angelo Russell and Paul is very close with LeBron James.
The other team in LA is another one that could make sense for Paul. He spent 6 years with the Clippers and they will also be looking for a starting point guard this offseason. The Clippers might not want another injury-prone star on the roster, but they’d be a tough team if Paul, Kawhi Leonard, and Paul George were all healthy during the playoffs.
The Knicks would be a surprising option as Jalen Brunson was great for them this season at point guard and their much bigger need is a scorer.
The Warriors would be an interesting option as it would allow Steph Curry to play off the ball more and have somebody else create shots for him. Paul could also mix in with the Warriors’ second unit to give them some depth.
His time with the Phoenix Suns may be coming to a disappointing end, but it looks like Chris Paul will have plenty of options for what comes next in his career.