PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns lose out on one of their top free agent targets, failing on a highly anticipated reunion for fans. According to ESPN NBA Insider Shams Charania, future Hall of Famer Chris Paul has elected to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers over the Suns. Reports have indicated that Paul was down to those two final teams, with interest on finishing off his career with either of his former teams.
Apr 9, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Chris Paul (3) dribbles upcourt against the Golden State Warriors in the third quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
Charania on Paul choosing Clippers over Suns:
In his 20th season with the San Antonio Spurs, Paul averaged 8.8 points and 7.4 assists, keeping his career-long 6.5+ assist streak alive. Despite in the twilight of his illustrious career, the 40-year-old ranked sixth in total assists and seventh in assists per game in the NBA. His most impressive feat might’ve been appearing in all 82 games for only the second time in his career.
Oct 30, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) and Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul (3) look on against the Houston Rockets during the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Phoenix failed to bring back Paul to the Valley, where the duo of him and Devin Booker shared great success. The pair had a combined record of 120-42 and reached both of their first NBA Finals in their career in 2021 and set a franchise record in wins the following season with 64.
Feb 14, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul (3) dribbles against the Sacramento Kings during the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
The front office elected that Paul would be on the decline of his career, after the team was eliminated by the eventual NBA champions Denver Nuggets in 2023. The Point God was shipped off in what is now considered the worse trade in the organizations history, bringing Bradley Beal to the Suns.
The franchise is just beginning feeling the aftermath of the trade, agreeing to a contract buyout with Phoenix a week ago. Beal will be paid for the team for the next five years, while Paul is closing out his storybook career with the Clippers, where he spent five seasons with from 2011-2017.
Mar 26, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6), guard Chris Paul (3) and forward Blake Griffin (32) come off the bench in the fourth quarter of the game against the Sacramento Kings at Staples Center. Kings won 98-97. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Paul will be a first-ball Hall of Famer in canton the moment he is eligible to be inducted. He has played for seven teams in his career and appeared close to picking Phoenix to be the team to close out his storybook career, but elected Los Angeles as it appears to be a better situation for Paul to compete one last time for his first championship.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
