Chris Paul Eyes NBA Return After Clippers Split

Chris Paul hasn’t ruled out a comeback after the Clippers’ abrupt split. He told Chris Haynes, “I’m just staying ready. I’m hooping right now,” and admitted, “I don’t [know] what’s next. I’m still scarred by it all… But I’m staying ready.” The Clippers said they are “parting ways” and will “work with him on the next step of his career,” but roster and salary rules complicate any immediate move: he can’t be traded until Dec. 15, waiving him carries cap costs, and the Jan. 7 deadline for partially guaranteed deals could open spots for suitors. Merlin sees this as equal parts emotion and chess. At 40 Paul still offers elite playmaking and veteran calm, but teams will time interest around roster math and the Jan. 7 churn. Whether this ends in a retirement, a midseason locker-room lift, or a calculated pickup depends on Paul’s desire and front offices’ cap patience.