Three possible landing spots for Chris Paul after Clippers exit

It looks like NBA legend and future first-ballot Hall of Famer Chris Paul is looking to finish out his legendary career on one final team. 

Reports are running rampant about the Los Angeles Clippers sending Paul home as they try to figure out what to do in replacing the former All-Star, who is set to retire after the season. Paul was on his second stint with the Clippers, a team he had much success with in the 2010s. But after a fallout with the team and apparently head coach Ty Lue, Paul was sent home with the idea that he'll be on a new team sooner rather than later. 

At 40 years old, Paul is far from having a major impact on the basketball court, but that doesn't mean he can't be some kind of asset. He's a solid defender, a good passer and just last year, Paul scored 8.8 points per game while dishing out 7.4 assists. This was all while playing 82 games across 28 minutes per contest for the San Antonio Spurs. 

He can be a solid bench player for the right team, but what team could use Paul, and, more importantly, what team is set to compete when he arrives? He's not going to a team with no shot at a title. So, here are three teams he could land on.

Cleveland Cavaliers

You'd think that with Darius Garland and Lonzo Ball, the Cavs wouldn't have a need for yet another point guard. Yet, it's their point guards who are holding them back to start this season. Garland and Ball are both missing huge chunks of games, while shooting poorly when they're on the court. 

Garland and Ball are shooting just 37.5 percent and 30.4 percent from the floor, respectively. The offense could use a steadier, healthier hand, and right now, Paul could provide that. He'd be able to fill in for Ball on days where Ball is sitting, while leading the offense if and when Garland struggles doing so again. 

Milwaukee Bucks

If the Milwaukee Bucks can make a few clever moves, landing Paul would be huge for keeping Giannis Antetokounmpo. Paul would be a great asset off the bench for the Bucks, or even a spot-starter, allowing the Bucks the ability to move Kevin Porter Jr. off the starting point guard spot. 

The Bucks, however, will have to not only keep Antetokounmpo happy but also get their record above .500. Otherwise, Paul would waste his final season on a team that's doomed to miss the playoffs. 

Denver Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets would be a fine landing spot for Paul. Being able to sit behind Jamal Murray and play limited but more impactful minutes may be the best situation for the former All-NBA point guard. 

The Nuggets have struggled with depth issues since they won the NBA championship in 2023, and while Paul isn't what he once was, he could still be a good bench guy for them. He'd easily be the second-best ball-handler on the roster, and would give the second unit a guy who can actually lead the offense when Murray and Nikola Jokic are off the court.