The NBA offseason is always wild, but this summer? It’s personal. The spotlight has continued to follow LeBron James and his cryptic future with the Lakers. However, this time, it’s his longtime friend and fellow future Hall of Famer, Chris Paul, who just sent shockwaves through the league. And unlike LeBron, who’s playing chess with teams across the NBA, CP3 might be making his final move on the board.

As LeBron entertains the idea of teaming up with Luka Doncic one more time, Paul just dropped a career-altering hint that pulls at the heartstrings of NBA fans everywhere. The 40-year-old point guard isn’t just eyeing his next stop; he’s looking at the finish line. After two decades of elite-level play, including a surprising season with the San Antonio Spurs, Paul has made it known that he’s only got one more run left in him. But the million-dollar question isn’t just if he’ll return, it’s where he’ll go and how he wants to go out.

Chris Paul, one of the most cerebral and decorated point guards in NBA history, hinted in a recent sit-down with Jemele Hill that the 2025–26 season could be his last dance. “At the most, a year, you know. I just finished my 20th season, which is a blessing in itself,” he said. 

That revelation came just days after free agency opened. With Paul still unsigned, it instantly flipped the narrative from “Where will CP3 play?” to “How will he say goodbye?”

Well, despite turning 40 in May, Paul is coming off a rock-solid season with the San Antonio Spurs, where he posted 8.8 points, 7.4 assists, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game. More impressively, he started all 82 games for the first time in his career. All while mentoring phenom Victor Wembanyama. He wasn’t just padding his resume; he was leading, teaching, and showing he still had gas in the tank.

Paul’s numbers weren’t vintage “Lob City” CP3, but they were more than enough to remind the league that his mind and passing vision are still elite. So, now that he’s made it clear the end is near, the next step in his career becomes a farewell tour worthy of one of the game’s most respected floor generals. But “one last year” does not necessarily mean “anywhere.” Paul knows exactly where he wants to be. And he’s sent that message loud and clear. While LeBron James continues to weigh his options amid talks of loyalty, legacy, and maybe even a surprise trade, Paul has one priority: family.

Chris Paul wants to be near home for potential last season

Paul made headlines weeks ago when he told The Pat McAfee Show that he wants to be close to his family, saying, “My son just turned 16. My daughter’s 12. The past six seasons I have lived without them… I want to be dad.” That message? Unmistakable. Chris Paul wants to be closer Los Angeles, not for the glam, nor for a superteam reunion. But because that’s where his people are. This isn’t about rings anymore. This is about roots.

It’s why teams like the Clippers and Lakers are at the top of his list, even as contenders like the Bucks, Mavericks, and Suns express interest. He’s been tied to all of them, but none can match the emotional pull of LA. He’s already played for both teams in the city, iconic years with the Clippers, and nearly a Laker before that infamous vetoed trade in 2011. Could this be the storybook ending we didn’t know we needed?

That said, Paul’s request isn’t without its complications. Reports suggest he’s still hoping to start, which has made playoff teams cautious. With younger, more explosive guards in place, it’s fair to ask: Can CP3 accept a bench role? LeBron and Paul, close friends for two decades, have never shared an NBA court as teammates. If there’s a silver lining to this entire saga, it’s the possibility that we finally see “Banana Boat Bros” link up in purple and gold for one last ride.

However, if the Lakers want to maximize LeBron’s twilight years, Paul might be the exact veteran mind to help orchestrate a late-career surge. But it’s a delicate dance. The Clippers, too, have a need for backcourt experience with Russell Westbrook’s future uncertain and James Harden not getting any younger.

But whether LA opens the door or not, Paul’s made his intentions crystal clear. Chris Paul is choosing simplicity, sentiment, and self-awareness. He’s not trying to chase ghosts or rack up empty stats. He’s chasing moments: time with his family, one last playoff run, and a graceful exit.