3 teams that could improve NBA Finals odds by adding Chris Paul

The point guard market is going to be an interesting one this offseason, and 12-time All-Star Chris Paul should be at the forefront of it. 

Paul won’t be playing for the Phoenix Suns in the 2023-24 season, as he was dealt to the Washington Wizards for three-time All-Star Bradley Beal on Sunday. The move puts Paul in Washington unless the team can flip him to another team as part of the deal. 

If not, there’s a possibility that the rebuilding Wizards decide to waive Paul, whose contract for the 2023-24 season is only partially guaranteed. 

Between Paul, Damian Lillard, Kyrie Irving, Fred VanVleet, Russell Westbrook, D’Angelo Russell and others, the point guard market is going to be a hot one this offseason. There are several teams that could be looking for an upgrade at the position, and Paul may be able to raise their ceiling – and their odds to win the NBA Finals. 

Let’s take a look at three potential destinations for the future Hall of Famer that would help these teams increase their odds of winning it all. 

Los Angeles Clippers

Following the trade of Paul to the Wizards, NBA insider Chris Haynes reported that the Los Angeles Clippers would be interested in bringing back the former franchise icon. 

Paul famously led the Clippers during the “Lob City” days, and he could be a great piece around Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. 

If Westbrook decides to move on this offseason – or if Los Angeles doesn’t want him back – Paul is a pass-first point guard that could bring the most out of the Clippers’ stars. 

It’s hard to ignore Paul’s impact, as he’s taken two struggling teams, the Oklahoma City Thunder and Phoenix Suns, and turned them into playoff teams in his last two stops. 

Things may be easier for the Clips if Paul is waived, but there is a chance the team could find a way to work the salary to make a trade as well. 

Los Angeles Lakers

There are a lot of connections for Paul to the Los Angeles Lakers that make sense. 

First off, he’s very close with superstar LeBron James, and he nearly was dealt to Los Angeles earlier in his career. 

The key here is the fit. Los Angeles is reluctant to bring back D’Angelo Russell at a max number this offseason – and rightfully so. The team could try to work a sign-and-trade deal for Paul, or it could let Russell walk and hope Paul would be willing to sign for either the mid-level exception or veteran minimum if he is waived. 

The Lakers need a lead ball-handler alongside James and Davis, and bringing in Paul for cheap could allow the team to retain Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura and others this offseason. 

Getting a deal done now that is part of the swap with the Suns may be tough since Los Angeles would likely need to re-sign and then trade Russell to make the contracts work.

Miami Heat

The Miami Heat are a team that could make a deal for Paul, although they are more interested in Damian Lillard, according to Haynes. 

If the Portland Trail Blazers decide not to trade Lillard, Paul is a logical choice for Miami, as the team could simply swing veteran Kyle Lowry’s expiring contract to match salary in a deal. 

The Heat could be in need of a point guard with Gabe Vincent set to hit free agency and Lowry declining. Paul is a much better option than Lowry based on his last few seasons of production.

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