8 Best Destinations For Chris Paul If He Is Bought Out From The Warriors

Chris Paul has been a key player in the NBA for years. Recently, he joined the Golden State Warriors after a trade from the Phoenix Suns. While Paul’s talent is undeniable, there’s talk that the Warriors might buy out his contract because they are focusing more on younger players.

Paul’s current contract is a four-year, $120 million deal he signed with the Suns in 2021. This includes $75 million guaranteed. For the 2023-24 season, Paul was set to earn $30.8 million, with $15.8 million guaranteed. If he stays with the Warriors past June 28, 2024, the entire amount for that season will be fully guaranteed. However, the 2024-25 season is non-guaranteed for his whole $30.0 million, which means the Warriors could release him without owing him that year’s salary.

If the Warriors decide to buy out Paul, he would become a free agent and could sign with any team. At 38 years old, Paul might not be in his prime, but he still brings a high basketball IQ, excellent playmaking skills, and strong leadership. Teams looking for a seasoned veteran or a solid point guard could benefit from adding him.

So, where could CP3 go if he leaves the Warriors? Let’s look at some top destinations that could use his skills and experience, from teams aiming for a championship to those looking to develop their young talent.

Los Angeles Lakers Could Use A Veteran Point Guard

Chris Paul might become a free agent, sparking interest from several teams, especially the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers struggled in the 2023-24 season, being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Denver Nuggets. This underscored their need for stronger guard play and veteran leadership. Paul’s stats with the Warriors in the 2023-24 season included averages of 9.2 points, 6.8 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game, showcasing his ability to manage the game effectively.

Rumors about the Lakers’ interest in Chris Paul have been persistent. Paul’s close friendship with LeBron James and their mutual respect make this a plausible move. Various reports highlighted that Paul joining the Lakers is a real possibility if he becomes a free agent.

The Lakers’ current point guard, D’Angelo Russell, is expected to decline his player option and become an unrestricted free agent. Russell’s inconsistent performance and a strained relationship with the team make his return unlikely. This situation makes the potential addition of Chris Paul even more appealing for the Lakers, who recently hired

Paul’s veteran presence and playmaking skills would be invaluable for the Lakers. His experience and leadership could help address the team’s weaknesses and elevate their performance, making them stronger contenders for the championship. With Russell likely departing, signing a seasoned player like Paul could solidify the Lakers’ backcourt and maximize the potential of their roster.

A Comeback To The Clippers Would Be A Great Narrative

Chris Paul returning to the Los Angeles Clippers could be a compelling story. The Clippers have several key players hitting free agency and face numerous decisions that will shape their roster for the upcoming season.

The Clippers had a strong 2023-24 season, finishing with a 51-31 record, securing the 4th seed in the Western Conference. However, they were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Dallas Mavericks in six games. This highlighted their need for a reliable floor general who can lead the team through high-pressure moments and provide stability.

Adding Chris Paul to the Clippers would solve a lot of their problems. The team often struggled to stay consistent and lacked leadership, especially in important games. Paul’s playoff experience and game management skills would be a huge boost. His playmaking and leadership could help the Clippers stay on track and push further in the playoffs.

Now, about the Clippers’ free agents. Paul George has a player option for the 2024-25 season and might test free agency. The Clippers need to decide whether to offer him a max contract, around $230 million for four years, or let him explore other options. The Philadelphia 76ers are reportedly interested in George, which could make things tricky for the Clippers.

James Harden, who joined the Clippers mid-season, is an unrestricted free agent. The Clippers need to figure out if they can afford to keep him, especially if they also want to keep George. Harden played well, but fitting him alongside other stars like Paul and Westbrook would take careful planning.

Russell Westbrook also has a player option, and his future with the Clippers is another big question. If he stays, figuring out how to play him alongside Paul could be tough but beneficial. Westbrook’s aggressive style is different from Paul’s careful approach, but their combined experience could be a plus.

The Clippers’ offseason is crucial for their future. Keeping George and Harden while adding Paul could push their salary above the luxury tax, but it could also give them the talent and leadership needed for a deep playoff run. Managing these key free agents and integrating Paul could provide the Clippers with the stability and high-level play they need to compete for a championship.

The Rockets Could Use A Veteran To Improve Their Young Core

The Houston Rockets had a tough 2023-24 season, finishing with a 41-41 record and missing the playoffs. They brought in Fred VanVleet on a max contract, hoping he’d be the veteran presence to guide their young core. Unfortunately, VanVleet’s performance didn’t live up to expectations. He averaged 17.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 8.1 assists per game, but his shooting percentages and overall impact were inconsistent, leaving fans and the organization wanting more.

Now, let’s imagine what Chris Paul could do for the Rockets. Back in the 2019-20 season, CP3 joined the Oklahoma City Thunder, a team many thought would be a lottery-bound squad. Instead, Paul led the young Thunder to the playoffs, mentoring players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and proving that his leadership and experience can transform a young team. His ability to orchestrate the offense and provide clutch performances were crucial in OKC’s surprising success that season.

If Paul joined the Rockets, he could have a similar impact. Houston has a talented but young roster featuring players like Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, and Jabari Smith Jr. Paul’s leadership could help these players develop their games more effectively. He would also bring a winning mentality and could improve the team’s late-game execution, something they struggled with this past season.

Paul’s presence would also take some pressure off VanVleet. Fred could focus more on his strengths, like shooting and off-ball movement, while Paul handles the playmaking duties. This could create a more balanced and efficient offense, giving Houston a better chance to compete every night.

The Rockets’ offseason moves will be crucial. Integrating a veteran like Chris Paul into their young core could provide the stability and leadership they need to make a push for the playoffs. With Paul guiding the way, Houston’s talented youngsters could develop faster and more effectively, setting the stage for a brighter future.

The Heat Need A True Point Guard To Thrive

The Miami Heat had a challenging 2023-24 season, finishing with a 46-36 record and securing the 8th seed in the Eastern Conference. They were eliminated in the first round by the Boston Celtics, winning only one game in the series. The season was marred by injuries and inconsistency, with key players like Jimmy Butler, Tyler Herro, and mid-season acquisition Terry Rozier missing significant time due to injuries.

Kyle Lowry, who was expected to be a key veteran presence, didn’t have the impact the team hoped for. His performance was underwhelming, and he struggled with injuries, further complicating Miami’s point guard situation. With Lowry not meeting expectations, the Heat traded him away and relied heavily on Herro and Rozier for playmaking duties, neither of whom are natural point guards.

Adding Chris Paul to the Heat could have a transformative effect. Miami’s core of Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo would benefit from Paul’s playmaking and leadership. Butler and Adebayo are star players, but the Heat lack a true floor general to orchestrate the offense and manage the game. Paul’s experience and ability to control the tempo would be invaluable, especially in high-pressure situations.

Moreover, Paul could help develop the younger players on the Heat’s roster, like Tyler Herro and Jaime Jaquez Jr. His mentorship would be crucial in helping these players reach their full potential. Paul’s ability to execute in clutch moments could also improve Miami’s late-game performance, an area where they struggled this past season.

With Chris Paul potentially running the offense, Miami could maximize the talents of Butler and Adebayo, pushing the team towards deeper playoff runs and potentially another shot at a championship as their window starts to shrink.

A Top Backup Option For The Milwaukee Bucks

The Milwaukee Bucks had an eventful 2023-24 season, finishing with a 53-29 record and securing the 3rd seed in the Eastern Conference. However, their playoff run was cut short in the first round by the Indiana Pacers, losing in six games. The addition of Damian Lillard brought a significant boost to their offense, forming a formidable duo with Giannis Antetokounmpo. Despite this, the team struggled with defensive consistency and depth in playmaking, especially off the bench.

While Lillard and Giannis spearhead the starting lineup, the Bucks lack a true playmaker to lead the second unit. This gap became evident throughout the season as Milwaukee struggled to maintain offensive efficiency when Lillard was off the floor. A backup point guard with strong playmaking abilities could provide much-needed stability and allow the team to keep its offensive rhythm even when its stars are resting.

Adding a veteran backup point guard like Chris Paul could be a game-changer for the Bucks. Paul’s leadership and ability to control the game would be invaluable for the second unit. His experience would not only help maintain the team’s performance but also mentor younger players, ensuring a more cohesive team effort.

Currently, the Bucks have some key players like Pat Connaughton, Bobby Portis, and Brook Lopez under contract, ensuring a solid core. However, their bench lacks a reliable playmaker, and Chris Paul could fill that void perfectly. His ability to create opportunities for others and his defensive acumen would enhance Milwaukee’s depth, making them a more well-rounded team.

In conclusion, while the Bucks have a strong starting lineup, addressing their need for a backup playmaker is crucial. Chris Paul could provide the veteran leadership and playmaking skills needed to elevate the Bucks from a strong contender to a championship favorite. Integrating Paul into their rotation would ensure that Milwaukee maintains its competitive edge throughout the entire game.

The Timberwolves Might Need CP3

The Minnesota Timberwolves had an impressive 2023-24 season, finishing with a 56-26 record, placing them 3rd in the Western Conference. This marked significant progress for the team, which has been steadily improving over the past few seasons. Anthony Edwards continued his ascent to stardom, leading the team in scoring and demonstrating clutch performances, while Karl-Anthony Towns provided steady scoring, rebounding, and leadership.

Mike Conley played a crucial role as the starting point guard, offering veteran leadership and stabilizing the backcourt. However, Conley, now 36 years old, has shown signs of aging and may not be able to handle heavy minutes consistently throughout the season. This situation highlights the Timberwolves’ need for a reliable backup point guard who can provide quality minutes off the bench and ensure that the team maintains its performance when Conley is resting.

Chris Paul could be an excellent fit for the Timberwolves. His extensive experience, leadership, and playmaking abilities would make him an ideal candidate to back up Conley and mentor the younger players. Paul’s ability to control the game’s tempo and his defensive prowess would be invaluable assets to a team aiming to make deep playoff runs.

Adding Paul would also provide insurance in case of injuries, which have been a challenge for the Timberwolves in recent seasons. With a veteran like CP3 coming off the bench, Minnesota could manage Conley’s minutes more effectively, ensuring both players are fresh for critical moments in the playoffs.

A Nostalgic Comeback To New Orleans

Chris Paul started his illustrious NBA career with the New Orleans Hornets, who are now known as the Pelicans. Drafted 4th overall in the 2005 NBA Draft, Paul quickly became a fan favorite and one of the league’s premier point guards. Returning to New Orleans to potentially finish his career where it all began would be a fitting and nostalgic conclusion to his journey in the NBA.

During his time with the Hornets, Paul established himself as a dynamic playmaker and leader, helping the team reach the playoffs multiple times. His tenure in New Orleans laid the foundation for a Hall of Fame career, and a return to the city would not only be sentimental but also strategic for the Pelicans.

The current Pelicans roster, led by Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, is full of potential but lacks a consistent and reliable point guard to orchestrate the offense. While the team has promising young talent, the addition of a seasoned veteran like Chris Paul could provide the leadership and playmaking they need to elevate their game. Paul’s ability to control the tempo, distribute the ball, and perform in clutch situations would be invaluable assets to a young and developing team.

Moreover, Paul’s return could invigorate the fan base, bringing back memories of his early years and creating new ones as he guides the next generation of Pelicans players. His experience and mentorship could be instrumental in helping the team make deeper playoff runs and achieve sustained success.

Unfinished Business In Oklahoma City

The Oklahoma City Thunder had an outstanding 2023-24 season, finishing with a 57-25 record and securing the 2nd seed in the Western Conference. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a stellar season, averaging 30.1 points per game and cementing his status as one of the league’s top guards. The team made it to the Western Conference Semifinals, showcasing their potential and youthful energy.

Back in 2020, Chris Paul led a young Thunder team to the playoffs, proving his ability to elevate and mentor emerging talents. With the recent trade of Josh Giddey for Alex Caruso, the Thunder now lack a reliable backup point guard for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. This opens up an opportunity for Paul to return and provide the veteran leadership and playmaking skills needed off the bench.

Adding Chris Paul would not only bring experience and stability but also help in crucial moments of the game, offering strategic insights and ensuring the team remains competitive. His return to Oklahoma City could be a perfect way to address their current needs while also bringing a sense of unfinished business to a satisfying close. The combination of his veteran presence with the Thunder’s young core could make them even more formidable in the upcoming seasons.