Potential Destinations for Chris Paul in Free Agency: Dallas Mavericks Among Strong Contenders
Veteran point guard Chris Paul, fresh off a season where he started in all 82 games for the San Antonio Spurs, is set to become a free agent this offseason. As he embarks on his 23rd NBA season, the 40-year-old is gearing up to join forces with young stars Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle.
Paul's career has been marked by stints with several teams, including the New Orleans Hornets (now Pelicans), Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns, and Golden State Warriors. With the NBA offseason looming, numerous teams are contemplating significant roster changes, whether due to playoff disappointments or the need to adhere to the new Collective Bargaining Agreement's salary cap rules.
Three potential suitors for Paul this offseason have emerged.
Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks have expressed interest in securing Paul's services. NBA insider Marc Stein reported that alongside Lonzo Ball and Jrue Holiday, the Mavs have been linked to Paul. Though Dallas is reportedly exploring a trade with the Boston Celtics for Holiday, Paul could be a more financially viable option for the team, given his age and the remaining years on Holiday's contract.
The Mavericks, who own the No. 1 pick in the upcoming 2025 NBA draft, are projected to select Duke star Cooper Flagg, making a potential partnership between Paul and Flagg an intriguing strategy with Kyrie Irving anticipated to return.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers have the second-best odds (+300) to sign Paul this summer, behind the Dallas Mavericks (-120). In 2011, the NBA vetoed a three-team trade that involved the Hornets, Lakers, and Paul–a move that raised eyebrows, particularly among former Lakers coach Phil Jackson.
Should Paul join a LeBron James-led Lakers squad, it would certainly make headlines, but its impact may not be as significant now compared to the early 2010s.
Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics represent the wild card in Paul's potential destinations. They have been rumored to trade players such as Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, and Jaylen Brown this offseason. If neither Holiday nor Brown remain with the team, the Celtics could consider a signing like Paul to fill the void left by their departing players.
The task now for Paul is to weigh the implications of each team's interest and make a decision that factors in his family's preferences, the level of contention offered by suitors, and the role each team can provide. His choice could significantly impact both playoff hopefuls and rebuilding franchises.
- Chris Paul, with a potential move to the Dallas Mavericks, could form an exciting partnership with Duke star Cooper Flagg, à la Kyrie Irving's return to the team.
- Despite the NBA vetoing a three-team trade involving Chris Paul and the Los Angeles Lakers in 2011, the Lakers currently have the second-best odds to sign him this offseason.
- The Boston Celtics, despite rumors of potential trades involving Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, and Jaylen Brown, could consider a signing like Chris Paul to fill any void left by departing players.
