Recently, the market for Chris Paul appears to be dominated by the organizations he has previously been a part of. The LA Clippers and Phoenix Suns have been options 1A and 1B, but according to 'The Stein Line,' the Charlotte Hornets, where Paul's stardom began, were also interested; however, nothing was mutual.
In the same article, it was mentioned that the Milwaukee Bucks had made a push for Paul, but because he preferred the Western Conference, they signed Cole Anthony as a free agent after the Memphis Grizzlies bought out his contract.
This eliminates another team, which needed a guard, giving the Clippers a fair and clean chance against the Suns to win over Paul in free agency, as he has a much better opportunity to add the first ring to his collection with Kawhi Leonard and James Harden.
The Clippers may be leaning on Paul, but for Phoenix, they likely have guys like De'Anthony Melton and Malcolm Brogdon in their vision next season to pair up with Devin Booker and Jalen Green. This is to prevent Booker and Green from playing point guard, as they can, yet they would naturally be more dominant as shooting guards or small forwards.
This may already be where the Suns have moved their pivot foot, as a credible insider within the NBA, in Arizona, reported that Paul will not choose Phoenix as his final destination.
The LA Clippers may have won the race for Chris Paul, leaving the Phoenix Suns in a close second place
Via X (formerly Twitter), John Gambadoro, a sports radio host for Phoenix with highly regarded credentials, responded to several fans of the Phoenix Suns who were questioning Chris Paul's return.
He’s not coming back
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) July 12, 2025
In every response about Paul, Gambadoro made it clear there was a zero-percent chance he would be on his way to Phoenix. The odds could have been higher had Kevin Durant not been traded, but because he was dealt to the Houston Rockets, the Suns only have one qualified star and will be contending for a play-in tournament spot next season. This could be causing the five-time assist champion to steer clear as he wants to win now.
That said, the LA Clippers could finalize their roster next season with a move for Paul after Bradley Beal is bought out and signed. This provides fairness, regarding money, to everyone and gives the Clippers their strongest chance at title contention since Kawhi Leonard was brought to his home state in 2019.