The Los Angeles Clippers have emerged as the frontrunner to sign veteran point guard Chris Paul, following their trade of Norman Powell and ongoing talks for Bradley Beal.
On ESPN’s NBA Today, Ramona Shelburne reported that the Clippers now make “a lot of sense” for Paul, especially with an opening in their backcourt and his desire to stay in Los Angeles.
“Last time on this show, I thought the Phoenix Suns would be the most likely landing spot for him,” Shelburne said. “I want to expand that or maybe amend it and say I think the Los Angeles Clippers make a lot of sense for him now. Now that they’ve traded Norman Powell, they need extra reinforcement in the backcourt. And Bradley Beal’s out there. Why not have them both?”
The Clippers recently sent Powell to the Miami Heat in a three-team deal that brought back forward John Collins from the Utah Jazz. That trade freed up space and minutes in the backcourt while positioning the Clippers to pursue additional talent.
Beal has also become a serious target for the Clippers. The Lakers, Bucks, and Timberwolves are also reportedly interested in Beal, but Miami appears to be out of the race after acquiring Powell.
While some speculate that signing both Beal and Paul would be difficult to manage financially and rotationally, Shelburne noted that the Clippers are exploring scenarios to potentially land both guards.
Paul, 40, spent six seasons with the Clippers from 2011 to 2017, helping turn the franchise into a perennial playoff team. He last played for the San Antonio Spurs during the 2024–25 season, appearing in all 82 games and averaging 8.8 points and 7.4 assists.
The 12-time All-Star has expressed a preference to remain in the Los Angeles area to stay close to his family if he returns for a 21st NBA season.
