Chris Paul Free Agent Future Fades After Clippers Release

Merlin sees veteran point guard Chris Paul seeking a final landing spot after the Clippers cut him loose. Jake Fischer reports the Lakers are "not considering" the 40 year old as they chase youth, and the Rockets are constrained by roughly $1.2 million beneath the first apron so they "aren't really weighing changes" until late January. Paul was averaging 2.9 points in 14.3 minutes and told Chris Haynes he is "staying ready" while admitting "I don't [know] what's next. I'm still scarred by it all. Still processing everything." Merlin senses the market is tight. Teams value veteran smarts, but cap limits and roster priorities make a late season fit difficult. A contender with an urgent backcourt need could call, yet a hometown farewell with the Lakers seems unlikely given current plans.