Chris

Paul

Beal wore No. 0 for his first season with the Clippers, allowing then-teammate Chris Paul to keep his No. 3 jersey for his farewell season in Los Angeles. But with Paul now retired, Beal will reclaim the jersey number ahead of the 2026-27 season. The veteran guard played just six regular-season games for the Clippers last season before suffering a season-ending hip injury. He averaged 8.2 points and 1.7 assists in just over 20 minutes per game.

Paul was waived by the Raptors on Friday afternoon and shortly afterwards, took to Instagram to announce his official retirement, saying, “This is it! After over 21 years, I’m stepping away from basketball.” Paul had previously announced that this would be his final season, but then tensions flared with the Clippers earlier in the year, which led to his departure from the team. Paul was a 12-time All-Star, 11-time All-NBA point guard, five-time assists leader, nine-time All-NBA defensive team honoree, and two-time Olympic gold medalist with the United States men’s basketball team. He averaged 16.8 points, 9.2 assists, and 4.4 rebounds in his career and will undoubtedly be a Hall of Famer.

The Clippers “severed ties” with Paul two months ago, and while he technically has a new home, it likely isn’t a permanent one. The Raptors aren’t having CP3 report and could either trade or waive him. At 40 years old, Paul will likely look to find a contender to join, though it is unlikely he finds a team that will give him a large role.

Haynes’ initial report said the Clippers were “severing ties” with Paul, and the team released a statement confirming that. Paul also posted on Instagram at 2:40 a.m. in Atlanta, where the Clippers are playing on Wednesday, that he is being sent home. Paul announced previously that this would be his final season, so this could give him an opportunity to join a contending team to close out his career. That was likely the idea with the Clippers, along with Paul enjoying some of the best seasons of his career with them, but the team has started off 5-16. CP3 has played a small reserve role this year, so his departure may open up a few minutes for Kris Dunn and Cam Christie, but it won’t significantly alter the rotation.

Paul is in his 21st season in the NBA. The 40-year-old point guard, who is back in his home state of North Carolina to take on the Hornets, posted on social media that he’s “grateful for this last one.” Paul seems to be implying this will be his last game against the Hornets in North Carolina. The 12-time All-Star and 11-time All-NBA point guard was the fourth overall pick in the 2005 NBA Draft by the Hornets. After Paul officially retires, the only question will be when, not if, he’s elected to the basketball hall of fame.

CP3 really turned back the clock in this one. He dished out nine assists while playing just nine minutes in the first half. Paul will likely spend most of the season in a reserve role, but if James Harden ever misses a game, CP3 will be worth streaming and will provide plenty of assists.

Paul began his second stint with the Clippers on Thursday, putting forth a stellar performance against an overmatched Guangzhou squad. After a disappointing 2023-24 season with the Warriors, CP3 was rejuvenated during his lone season with the Spurs. However, he’ll be asked to serve as James Harden’s backup in Los Angeles, which limits the 40-year-old’s fantasy ceiling. He’s worth selecting in the latter rounds of drafts, especially when factoring in nights when James Harden or Bradley Beal is unavailable.

NBA insider Chris Haynes reports the deal will be worth $3.6 million. Paul, who spent six seasons with the Clippers, will return for what will likely be his last in the NBA. The twelve-time All-Star will fill out a limited role as the backup point guard behind James Harden in his 21st season, which will likely prevent him from making a consistent impact in fantasy basketball.

Paul also said that he wants to stay close to Los Angeles next year to remain closer to his family. That leaves a few potential options for where he could suit up next season. The 40-year-old point guard should still play a role next season, but there likely won’t be an ideal opportunity for him to continue to shine for fantasy managers.

Stein’s report also says “if he indeed comes back for a 21st season,” so it seems that Paul may not have made a decision on whether or not he’s going to return for another year. If he does, this doesn’t mean he’s going to play for a Los Angeles team, but his preference would be somewhere closer. How close he’d be looking to be is unknown, but the 40-year-old should still be able to provide some solid backup point guard minutes next season.