NBA free agency kicked off this past Monday at 6:00 p.m. EST, but the action has been pretty quiet compared to previous years.
Several free agents are still looking for new homes, including 40-year-old Chris Paul. The veteran point guard started all 82 games for the Spurs last season, his only year with San Antonio.
Paul isn’t just looking for any team, though. He wants to be a starter next season and has made it clear he’d like to be closer to Los Angeles, where his family lives.
So where will CP3 end up?
Can Chris Paul find a starting job at 40?
When Paul steps on the court next season, it’ll be his 21st year in the NBA. That’s an incredible run for the former fourth overall pick in the 2005 draft.
His resume speaks for itself.
Paul is a 12-time All-Star with five assist titles and six steals championships. He’s made 11 All-NBA teams and nine All-Defensive teams.
The future Hall of Famer has started 1,314 of his 1,354 career games across seven different franchises. The only time he didn’t start was during his stint with the Warriors in 2023-24.
According to Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press, Paul’s insistence on being a starter is exactly why he hasn’t signed anywhere yet.
The Los Angeles Clippers are reportedly interested in bringing Paul back. He spent six seasons with the team during the “Lob City” era, throwing alley-oops to Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan while starting 409 games.
But there’s a problem.
The Clippers just re-signed James Harden to a two-year deal after he started 79 games for them last season. If Paul returned to the Clippers, he might have to come off the bench – something he clearly doesn’t want to do.
Paul’s permanent home is in Los Angeles, so joining the Clippers would let him be with his family. But is that enough to make him accept a backup role at this stage of his career?
It’s a tough decision for the veteran. Does he prioritize being close to home or holding onto a starting job for his 21st season?
Where do you think CP3 will end up playing next season?