Well, a major free agent point guard target just came off the market for the New Orleans Pelicans. Anyone who was rooting for a reunion with former Hornets legend Chris Paul is sure to be disappointed at the recent developments.
According to Chris Haynes, CP3 has agreed to a one-year, $3.6 million deal to join a different former team of his: the Los Angeles Clippers. This report came alongside the news that the 2025-26 NBA season will be Paul's last campaign.
The 2025-26 season will be Chris Paul’s 21st and likely final year in the league as his dream scenario is in place to finish his career at home with the Los Angeles Clippers. https://t.co/2vEJ66snwR
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) July 21, 2025
He'll wrap up an admirable career after 21 hard-fought years in the league. Signing with the Clippers and joining a core comprised of Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, Bradley Beal, Ivica Zubac, and John Collins will give him another honest chance at competing for an NBA championship. The New Orleans Pelicans certainly could've used his tutelage and veteran experience off their bench, but no one can blame him for picking a more surefire contender for his retirement tour.
Pelicans fans should be rooting for Chris Paul and the Clippers
Chris Paul spent the first six seasons of his career in New Orleans, after being drafted fourth overall by the Hornets back in 2005. He helped bring an 18-win team back to relevancy and postseason contention in the post-Baron Davis era. Paul oversaw arguably the most passionate period of professional basketball in NOLA.
Unfortunately, the end of his tenure with the then-Hornets wasn't so pretty. Across his six seasons, they only managed to make it to the playoffs three times, never once advancing past the second round, including two first-round exits.
Frustrated by the lack of team success, inspiring roster moves, and organizational stability, Paul made it clear that he wanted out of New Orleans toward the end of his time. He infamously planned on joining Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers before a planned trade was vetoed by the NBA. Instead, he was sent to the Clippers, where he led the Lob City era with Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan.
There was a lot of resentment for CP3 coming from the Hornets fanbase back then, and understandably so. According to Paul, though, that vitriol was driven by misconceptions.
Whether it was the team or Paul who severed ties first, all of that is moot now. Both he and New Orleans have tried and failed to win a championship since their split.
The Pelicans will be hoping to establish themselves as dark-horse contenders in this upcoming season, behind a strong collection of talent featuring Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, and Dejounte Murray. However, the Clippers with Chris Paul appear to be much more dangerous title threats. Aside from New Orleans miraculously winning it all next year, seeing a franchise legend reach the pinnacle in his final season would be the next best thing.