This season was meant to be a special one for Chris Paul, as he intends to retire at the conclusion of this campaign. It was fitting when he signed back with the Los Angeles Clippers in the offseason, a team that he was one of the faces of during the glory days of his career.
But the reunion wouldn’t go exactly to plan, as the Clippers struggled to put together any results, posting a record of 5-16 by the time the team’s front office had made the decision to send the 40-year-old home while remaining on Los Angeles’ books.
This would allow the Clippers’ front office to include Paul in any trade talks, which is exactly what happened on Wednesday afternoon. Just ahead of the trade deadline closing, Paul was included in a three-team trade in which he’d be sent to the Toronto Raptors.
However, just as the trade occurred, Charania would go on to report that the 40-year-old wouldn’t report to the Raptors. This leaves Toronto’s front office with two choices: either trade Paul in yet another trade ahead of Thursday’s deadline or waive him, which would allow the 40-year-old to find a new home in the final months of his career.
But in an appearance on NBA Today, Charania explained that there’s a chance Paul may not return to the league this season, which would effectively end his time in the association.
“It won’t be for Toronto, when I talked to teams around the league, his NBA future obviously very much up in the air,” Charania stated. “It’s not certain whether he’s going to play again in the NBA as of right now.”
As things stand, Paul has appeared in 1370 games in his career, averaging 16.8 points and 9.2 assists. These stats aren’t meant to undermine his accolades, which include 2006-07 Rookie of the Year, being a 12-time All-Star, and a five-time Assist Champion, amongst others.
If Paul is to be traded away from the Scotiabank Arena, it will have to be done by Thursday afternoon, when the NBA’s trade deadline is slated to close at 3:00 p.m. EST.
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