Chris Paul Traded to the Toronto Raptors, but Toronto May Not Be His Final Stop

It’s been two months since one of the best point guards of all time, Chris Paul, has been sitting in the exile forced upon him by the Los Angeles Clippers. After announcing that the 2025-2026 NBA season would be his last, it was starting to look as if his illustrious career would come to an unceremonious end, lacking all the pomp and circumstance he earned over his 20-plus years in the league. However, on the afternoon of February 4, Paul fans got some good news. 

According to ESPN, Paul is technically now a Toronto Raptor after a multiteam trade. That seems to indicate that there are plans for him to again pick up a basketball in primetime. However, here’s the twist. ESPN also reports, “The Raptors will not require Chris Paul to report to the team and could still discuss moving him before Thursday’s 3 PM ET NBA trade deadline.”

Right away, this caveat got my mind racing. Could Paul potentially finish out the rest of the NBA season with another team? If so, where? 

How Did Chris Paul Land in Toronto? 

Per the ESPN story, the Raptors, the Clippers, and the Brooklyn Nets worked out a three-team trade. As part of the deal, the Raptors get Paul, but also are relieved from their luxury tax. The Clippers acquire draft rights to Vanja Marinkovic, and the Nets get Ochai Agbaji and a second-round draft pick. 

Although nothing can be confirmed at this point, I’m inclined to say that Toronto may not keep Paul on the roster. Their not requiring him to show up to practice at this time doesn’t scream they want to keep him. Plus, I tend to think he’ll be better served on another roster. So where does he go? 

Will Chris Paul Be Traded to Another Team? 

Don’t be surprised if Paul winds up finishing his career with the New Orleans Pelicans. It was the team that drafted him out of Wake Forest in 2005, and the team he spent six seasons with. He made a lasting impression on that organization to the point that when you think of New Orleans sports to this day, you think of his name right alongside former New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees. 

Now, how Paul fits with the current roster in New Orleans is a little tricky, but from a leadership position, the Pelicans could certainly use him. Plus, I'd imagine Paul could really get the city of New Orleans to fill the arena to see his last few games.

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