Top 3 destinations for Chris Paul when the Raptors waive him

Chris Paul found himself a new team — at least for now — after landing the Toronto Raptors in a three-team deal which also included the Los Angeles Clippers and Brooklyn Nets.

Paul’s return to the Clippers in the offseason turned into an unforgettable experience as he was unceremoniously released in December. Just a few days earlier, he announced that it would be his last season in the NBA.

But while CP3 was traded to the Raptors, multiple reports said he would be waived to clear more cap space.

As Paul has reached this stage of his careerfit is more important than minutes. Despite his strong personality, which could rub off on other people, he can still help any team with his play, leadership and experience.

Which teams should try to acquire the veteran when Toronto releases him?

New Orleans Pelicans

Admittedly, this is more of a sentimental choice than a tactical one. Joining the Pelicans would come full circle for Paul. New Orleans selected him for fourth overall pick in 2005who serves as the face of the franchise for several years.

With the Pelicans, the 40-year-old Paul won’t be under any pressure to perform. He would be content with current minutes off the bench, a role he thought he would play when he signed with the Clippers. He would also serve as a proven mentor to Jordan Poole, Jeremy Fiers, Jose Alvarado and Jordan Hawkins.

Beyond the homecoming narrative, Paul would immediately improve the Pelicans’ leadership and execution. His pick-and-roll mastery is tailor-made to accelerate the development of New Orleans’ young core, especially Derrick Quinn.

Denver Nuggets

Paul is among the few stars who are still without a ring. Joining the Nuggets would give him a real chance to finally get one. While the Oklahoma City Thunder are the more obvious choice, the team may not want to add an aging player to their roster.

With Nikola Jokić orchestrating the attackadding Paul would create a more dynamic look for the Nuggets. CP3’s elite passing, mid-range game and experience in high-pressure moments would complement Jokic’s versatility and allow Jamal Murray to thrive in a more structured system. Just imagine Jokic, Murray and Paul spinning the defense with three-pointers.

Paul could be the perfect guy to lead Denver’s second unit. While the rotation should be carefully planned, with the team already trying to develop Jalen Pickett and Julian Stravther, the Nuggets would be harder to stop in the playoffs with CP3 running the floor. Making a 12-time All-Star and 11-time All-NBA team shouldn’t be so bad, right?

Los Angeles Lakers

As one of the league’s most iconic franchises, The Lakers are always in winning mode. Adding a seasoned floor general like Paul should only help boost their championship and in turn, give the future Hall of Famer his ring.

While Paul would only see limited minutes playing behind Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and Marcus Smart in the backcourt, his ability to control the tempo, make split-second decisions and set up teammates should only bode well for the Lakers. Paul showed in his stint with the San Antonio Spurs that at this point in his career, he doesn’t need the ball all the time to be effective. Sharing the rock with Doncic, Reaves and LeBron James won’t be a problem.

Moreover, familiarity will not be a problem. Paul has a close relationship with James and played with coach JJ Reddick for four years with the Clippers. Redick has always praised Paul for his basketball IQ, and having him on his side as a de facto backup should be an advantage. Paul is also a former teammate of DeAndre Ayton.