Chris Paul’s potential landing spot after leaving Clippers

The Los Angeles Clippers have confirmed that Chris Paul will leave the team, ending his long-awaited return within a matter of months.

Paul is considered one of the greatest players in Clippers history, a key part of the ‘Lob City’ era alongside Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan. But after struggling the first few months of the season, Paul was sent home from Atlanta on Wednesday as the Clippers look to move on from a disastrous start.

“We are parting ways with Chris and he will no longer be with the team,” Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank told ESPN. “We will work with him on the next step of his career."

What next for Chris Paul?

Paul’s shock departure was clearly unplanned, coming in the middle of a four-game stretch of road games. The franchise will have been reluctant to part with one of its greatest-ever players in such ignominious circumstances.

But now that he has gone, Paul’s thoughts will turn to his next team. The 40-year-old had previously confirmed his intention to retire at the end of the 2025/26 season, meaning that he is looking for a short-term situation to finish his career.

One option could be the New Orleans Pelicans, where he could be a mentor to rookie point guard Jeremiah Fears. He has a good record helping to develop young stars, as he did with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at the Oklahoma City Thunder. However the Pelicans are currently 3-19, meaning that there is no realistic chance of a playoff appearance in Paul’s final season.

A slightly more appealing option might be the Dallas Mavericks, who are looking to build for the future behind first-year star Cooper Flagg. Paul could again offer some useful guidance to a young pro, doing so with a team that has slightly better prospects for the season. The Mavericks are currently 7-15 and could still hope to push for a postseason spot if the team starts to gel.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.