The Los Angeles Clippers made big news by sending Chris Paul home before the legend could conclude his farewell tour. Paul hoped to retire while residing at his home in Los Angeles and getting celebrated as an all-time great Clipper. The story of Paul clashing with coaching and the front office ended with the franchise no longer wanting him around the team.
Clippers management would rather trade Paul than waive him, despite likely getting nothing of note in return if dealt. Two teams have emerged as having interest in the respected leader joining their locker room.
NBA reporter Brett Siegel shared the following about the Minnesota Timberwolves and Houston Rockets having interest:
“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 contending teams lack point guard depth and could gamble on Paul becoming their reserve with limited minutes. Paul’s struggles while on the court for the Clippers do provide some concern about his ability to play at a high level anymore.
Why Rockets Would Want Chris Paul
Paul was a member of the Rockets during their last deep run in the playoffs before falling short to the Golden State Warriors. A reunion with Houston makes a lot of sense for a team that lost starting point guard Fred VanVleet to injury for the season a few months before the regular season started.
Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard have tried to pick up the slack, and they deserve credit for the Rockets continuing to win without a traditional point guard on the roster. Paul could play a short slate of minutes per name and provide leadership for the roster full of young talented players.
Kevin Durant and Paul have never teamed together, despite being two of the longest tenured active players to provide some extra appeal there. Houston head coach Ime Udoka likes having veteran toughness on the team, so Paul could be worth the cheap gamble for many reasons.
Why Timberwolves Would Want Chris Paul
Minnesota is currently in the middle of the pack in the West, but they’ve reached the Western Conference Finals two years in a row. Anthony Edwards and a solid supporting cast will have similar goals this season with the hopes of going even further.
Veteran point guard Mike Conley has struggled, and Donte DiVincenzo is not a traditional point guard in the starting spot. Paul could help divvy up those minutes and use his insight to help Edwards continue progressing as a superstar.
Timberwolves fans are desperate for a trade, but the team is limited unless they deal valuable wing player Jaden McDaniels. Paul provides a much cheaper option of a leader that can give them some reserve minutes and try to help them get over the hump. The Clippers will likely deal Paul to wherever he prefers to save face after an ugly ending to their tenure together.
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