The Washington Wizards are set to acquire Chris Paul as part of a package with the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Bradley Beal, but the franchise is unlikely to retain the veteran point guard entering the 2023-24 campaign as they enter a full-scale rebuild.
The Athletic's Josh Robbins reported Sunday that the Wizards "would like" to have Paul on their team next season. However, if Paul decides he would like to play for a contender, Washington will work on finding him a new home.
Bleacher Report's Chris Haynes added that the Wizards "are likely to reroute" Paul in a trade, and the Los Angeles Clippers are expected to pursue a reunion with the 12-time All-Star.
While Paul is aging and his shooting has declined, he would still be a valuable asset to any championship-contending team. During the 2022-23 season, he averaged 13.9 points, 4.3 rebounds and 8.9 assists in 59 games while shooting 44.0 percent from the floor and 37.5 percent from deep.
With Paul expected to be available, here's a list of the top landing spots for the North Carolina native.
Los Angeles Clippers
With the Clippers eyeing a reunion with Paul, listing the franchise as a top destination for the veteran is a no-brainer.
Paul spent six seasons with the Clippers from 2011-2017, and L.A. made the postseason in each of those seasons, though the furthest the franchise made it was the Western Conference semifinals.
In 409 games with the Clippers, Paul averaged 18.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 9.8 assists while shooting 47.5 percent from the floor and 37.8 percent from deep. He was even better in the playoffs, averaging 21.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and 8.7 assists in 53 games while shooting 48.1 percent from the floor and 39.0 percent from beyond the arc.
Obviously Paul isn't the same player he once was, but inserting him into a lineup that already includes Kawhi Leonard and Paul George would put the Clippers among the top contenders next season, provided they stay healthy.