Source: Cavs Not Interested In Signing Chris Paul

CLEVELAND — It’s possible the Cleveland Cavaliers will have a vacancy at backup point guard, with Ty Jerome about to enter free agency.

Just don’t expect that possibility to be longtime point man Chris Paul, also a free agent.

Per a league source, the Cavs do not have interest in Paul. 

They do, however, have a strong interest in bringing back Jerome, undoubtedly their No. 1 free agent target.

Paul, 40, becomes an unrestricted free agent this offseason. He is not expected to be back with the San Antonio Spurs.

“Anticipation is building that Paul could be on the move again this offseason even though his time as a Spur as a mentor to Victor Wembanyama and a young team overall was an unabashed success,” wrote Marc Stein of The Stein Line. “The reality now, though, is that San Antonio acquired De’Aaron Fox in February and just watched Stephon Castle assemble a Rookie of the Year season.

“Since winning the May 12 draft lottery, San Antonio has likewise attempted to convey a desire to rival teams that it intends to keep the No. 2 overall pick in next month’s draft to select Rutgers’ Dylan Harper. With or without Harper in the Alamo City next season, it is difficult to see how there would be room in the Spurs’ backcourt next season.”

Paul appeared in all 82 games for the Spurs this season. He averaged 8.8 points, 3.6 rebounds and 7.4 assists while shooting 42.7% from the field, 37.7% from beyond the arc and 92.4% from the free-throw line. 

A 12-time All-Star, Paul has played for the New Orleans Hornets, Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors and Spurs. He’s one of the best point guards in NBA history.