Chris Paul Gets Tough Reality Check After Retirement From Basketball

Chris Paul hopes to return to the NBA and end his career at another team.

Chris Paul Gets Tough Reality Check After Retirement From Basketball

Chris Paul (Image credits - Firstsportz)

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Arguably one of the greatest point guards to ever play the game, Chris Paul was cut by the Los Angeles Clippers. An anticlimactic ending for a player who had some of the best years of his career with the club and had announced that the 2025-26 campaign would be the final season of his illustrious career. Paul spent some of the best years of his 20-year career with the Clippers from 2011-17.

The way the relationship between Chris Paul and the LA Clippers ended was a huge shock and drew a lot of criticism from NBA fans. It was the veteran’s second stint with the Clippers after spending six seasons in the organization from 2011-17. During his time with the Clippers, Paul was joined by former number one pick Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan, and the trio formed the popular “Lob City”.

A lot of the decisions made in the NBA are not in the players’ hands, just like the blockbuster Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis trade from last season. But it was Paul who gave relevance to the franchise that was always looked down upon by its cross-town rivals, the Los Angeles Lakers. 

During Paul’s exit, the Clippers were in a horrid position, and many called for the franchise to shut down their season and hit the reset button in the offseason. But things have looked promising for the club over the last few weeks, as they sit 11th in the Western Conference standings with a 16-23 record and have won 10 of their last 12 games.

Meanwhile, Paul sat down for an interview with Good Sports hosts Kevin Hart and Keenan Thompson and made it clear that while he is staying ready, his next move isn’t decided.

I’m working out and training every day. In all honesty, with the way that stuff went down, for me, I just love this game so much that I don’t want it to end like that. I’ve enjoyed the time, for sure. I get a chance to go to my kids’ games, but I don’t know what team I hope to finish with.

Although Paul is away from the Clippers, he’s still on the team’s roster. Hence, the Clippers would have to trade the 40-year-old veteran. If they don’t before the deadline, he could be waived, making him a free agent.

Lou Williams on Chris Paul being ready to leave the game

There have been several reports and rumors regarding Paul’s sudden exit from the Clippers. Some claim that the coaching staff were not happy with his behavior and how he called things out while there were reports that head coach Ty Lue saw Paul as a misfit for the team.

After the unceremonious exit, Paul’s friend Lou Williams said on “Run it Back” that he talked to Paul before the start of the season and thinks that the 12-time All-Star will not play again this season.

He’s gotten used to being at events. He’s gotten used to seeing his son, having a presence in his young career as a basketball player and being that mentor as a dad as he should be. I don’t know if he goes back on the road and finds another job to finish this thing out, especially with him saying that he’s going to retire at the end of this year.

During his second stint, Paul was restricted to a bench role with the Clippers, playing under 15 minutes and averaging just 2.9 points and 3.3 assists per game in 16 appearances.

Which clubs would be interested in Chris Paul?

While Paul may not be the player he once was, he does bring leadership to the locker room, which could benefit some of the young and inexperienced teams. But the former Phoenix Suns guard has indicated that he is still interested in taking to the court this season.

Chris Paul has announced 2025-26 will be last season
Chris Paul (Image via Complex Sports/X)

It remains to be seen whether the Clippers decide to trade the ‘Point God’, but a few clubs may be interested in his services, as reported by NBA reporter Brett Siegel last month.

The Minnesota Timberwolves or the Houston Rockets are two teams that had been rumored to have a level of interest in Chris Paul. There’s going to be a ton of other teams that inquire about him simply because he’s on a minimum contract.

Both teams are strong contenders in the Western Conference this season and could benefit from Paul’s leadership. It would be the perfect opportunity for the veteran to end his career with an NBA championship

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