It is obvious that the LA Clippers’ preference all along would have been to waive Chris Paul. They easily did so with RayJ Dennis, but because of his standard contract and strict restrictions that have LA against a wall, Jake Fischer reported on ‘The Stein Line’ that the Clippers could help Paul become an unrestricted free agent through the trade and waiver process.
Hypothetically, if James Harden is traded in a blockbuster deal, the Clippers may kindly request the favor to include the 40-year-old, where all three parties(LA, trade partner, and Paul) have a mutual understanding that free agency is what he desires; likely not the former MVP's next destination.
However, Stein clarified that several weeks could stand in the way of a trade materializing, and the one destination he would have considered a priority may be uninterested: the Los Angeles Lakers. They reportedly have an age limit that eliminates Paul if he were considered an exception.
Chris Paul should try out the Eastern Conference for the first time in his career
Before Chris Paul retires, he should get a taste of playing in the Eastern Conference. His whole career has been spent in the West, and even the trade that was vetoed in 2011 was to the Los Angeles Lakers.
If Paul ends up on the waivers, the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics could file a claim to the league office. They have the biggest markets in the East, and though New York is currently in a better position, Jayson Tatum appears close to returning.
Thus, the Celtics will expect more from the 12-time all-star than just to ride the bench and ring chase on the franchise with the most titles in league history. His career goal is a championship, but as Boston shows him the way, they will want him in the lab with Payton Pritchard and Anfernee Simons.
He must disclose knowledge, IQ-related techniques, and success stories in order to make his addition a win-win.
Paul's former teammates to excellent friendships across the NBA would also continue with Tatum, as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Victor Wembanyama have already had the luxury of receiving quality guidance from the game’s best.
That said, the Clippers coordinating a title for Paul is the endgame. They want him to experience NBA Finals confetti; therefore, the front office will pave the way to a winner or the freedom to sign in the location that embraces his passion.