Chris Paul was anticipated to finish his career with the Los Angeles Clippers, but following a tumultuous exit, he has been traded to the Toronto Raptors. According to reports from ESPN’s Shams Charania, the trade comes as part of a multi-team deal involving the Brooklyn Nets, which also includes cash and a future second-round draft pick being sent to the Nets in exchange for the rights to Vana Marinkovic.
Despite the trade, it remains uncertain whether Paul will play for the Raptors. The organization is not mandating his arrival, and there is potential for further discussions or a waiver before the trade deadline. If waived, Paul would have the flexibility to sign with another team for the remainder of the season.
This shift follows a shocking dismissal from the Clippers in early December, where Paul had last played in a loss to the Miami Heat, recording eight points and three assists in 15 minutes. The Clippers announced on December 3 that they were parting ways with him, though he was not officially released at that time.
At 40 years old, Paul had been coming off the bench, averaging just 2.9 points and 3.3 assists in 14.3 minutes per game—his lowest statistics throughout his extensive career. His abrupt removal came amid the team’s struggles with a 5-16 start to the season and reported tensions between him and head coach Tyronn Lue, where they allegedly had not communicated for weeks. Former Clipper Lou Williams described Paul’s role as one of holding players accountable, amidst ongoing issues within the team.
The Clippers had hoped that adding Paul would provide veteran depth and serve as a storyline for his final days in the league, drawing on his successful six-season run with the team from 2010-2017. However, the situation unfolded chaotically, surprising teammates like Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, as the Clippers faced early troubles.
As Paul moves on, he carries with him an illustrious career highlighted by 12 All-Star selections, nine All-Defensive honors, and holding the second-most assists in NBA history. While he may be past his prime and has not participated in the playoffs in three seasons, there is an opportunity for him to re-establish himself and demonstrate that he still has the drive and capability to compete at a high level. The upcoming chapter in his career will undoubtedly be one to watch, as he seeks to prove his resilience in a new environment.