You can officially cross that reunion off the wish list.
Phoenix Suns fans were hopeful about a Chris Paul homecoming, but the veteran guard had other plans. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Paul has agreed to join the Clippers, which will “likely” mark the final chapter of his NBA career.
Paul, now 40, has been in the league since being selected No. 4 overall by New Orleans back in 2005. His decision to sign with Los Angeles gives him one last opportunity to chase a championship — and brings him closer to his family, a key reason behind the move.
It’s a tough blow for the Suns, who not only lose out on Paul’s veteran leadership but also miss a solution to their point guard issue. The franchise entered the offseason seeking a center and a point guard — and while they addressed the frontcourt, the backcourt remains a concern.
Paul’s return would’ve allowed Phoenix to shift Devin Booker back into more of a scoring role instead of forcing him to initiate the offense. Although his style may not have perfectly aligned with new head coach Jordan Ott’s up-tempo approach, Paul still represented the kind of floor general Phoenix clearly needs.
A Missed Opportunity in a Crucial Offseason
Last season, the Suns tried to patch the point guard spot with Tyus Jones, who averaged 5.3 assists across 81 games but eventually lost his starting role. Though there was talk of Jones returning, he opted to join the Orlando Magic instead.
Now, with Paul off the table, the Suns are short on answers. As of now, Booker is expected to take over as the primary ball-handler, with Jalen Green playing alongside him. For a team still aiming to contend, that setup is far from ideal.
Owner Mat Ishbia emphasized a “culture reset” after a disappointing 2024–25 campaign that ended without even a Play-In appearance. Moves like hiring rookie head coach Jordan Ott, trading away Kevin Durant, and buying out Bradley Beal were all part of that reset. Bringing Paul back could’ve helped restore some stability and leadership — something this reshaped roster sorely needs.
But ultimately, it’s understandable why Paul made the choice he did. Spending his final season close to home, with a better title shot in Los Angeles, is hard to argue with.
