Chris Paul could be headed back to Phoenix. Or maybe back to L.A.
The veteran point guard is expected to explore options out west in free agency, with a return to the Suns still in play if Tyus Jones moves on, according to The Stein Line’s Marc Stein and Jake Fischer. Paul is known to prefer staying close to his family in Los Angeles and had previously been linked to both the Lakers and Clippers.
The Clippers, in particular, are “weighing” the idea of bringing Paul back for a second stint, per Stein and Fischer. He spent six seasons with the franchise from 2011–17 and remains close with several key figures. While James Harden is expected to re-sign, the Clippers continue to explore the guard market and have also been linked to Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
The Mavericks have long been rumored as a suitor for Paul, but that appears to have cooled. After spending last season in San Antonio, Paul isn’t eager to spend another year away from home in Texas, per the report. Dallas may instead pivot to D’Angelo Russell as it looks to fill the void left by Kyrie Irving’s ACL injury.
Charlotte also considered a run at Paul, given his North Carolina roots, but ultimately concluded that the 39-year-old wouldn’t be interested in joining a rebuilding team. The Hornets shifted course and traded for Jazz guard Collin Sexton on Saturday.
Magic Among Teams Eyeing Jones
If Jones leaves the Suns, the Magic may be waiting in the wings. Orlando has interest in the 29-year-old point guard, who averaged 10.2 points and 5.3 assists last season while shooting 41.4 percent from deep. Though his fit in Phoenix was uneven, Jones remains a steady playmaker and floor-spacer — two traits the Magic could use as they look to take the next step in the East.
Sixers Decline Option on Walker
Philadelphia is declining Lonnie Walker IV’s $2.9 million team option for next season, per ESPN’s Shams Charania. The move is mildly surprising after Walker gave the Sixers productive minutes late in the year.
Walker, 25, signed with Philly in February and played in 20 games, averaging 12.4 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.5 assists. He previously spent time with the Spurs, Lakers and Nets, and had a stint in the EuroLeague with Zalgiris Kaunas earlier in the season before landing back in the NBA.
He’ll now enter unrestricted free agency with a track record of scoring and athleticism off the bench, though Philadelphia’s cap situation likely made keeping him a luxury the front office couldn’t afford.
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