At 40 years old, Chris Paul isn’t just refusing to retire—he’s still setting terms. The future Hall of Famer, with over two decades of NBA experience, just met with the Milwaukee Bucks and remains shockingly insistent on being a starter for whichever team signs him. According to Shams Charania, the three-time assist leader is down to a shortlist of the Bucks, Clippers, and Suns.

Wait… teams are still fighting for a 40-year-old point guard who’s not even interested in a bench role? That’s the Chris Paul experience. But where does he actually fit—and more importantly, why are teams still betting on him?

Last season, Chris Paul quietly played every single game for the San Antonio Spurs. That’s 82 straight nights of grinding it out at 40. He averaged 8.8 points, 7.4 assists, and 3.6 rebounds—not flashy, but proof that his mind and body still belong on the court.

According to AP’s Tim Reynolds, CP3’s delay in signing isn’t about money or ego—it’s about role and location. He wants to be a starter again, and ideally, he wants to be closer to his family in Los Angeles.

Shams’ report only added to the intrigue: Paul recently had a direct conversation with Bucks officials, while the Clippers and Suns remain in play. So let’s break it down.

The Bucks are in a weird spot. They just waived Damian Lillard and still have him on the books. Giannis Antetokounmpo is still that guy, and Myles Turner gives the frontcourt some bite—but that backcourt is crying out for experience. Enter Chris Paul. With his pass-first mindset and pick-and-roll brilliance, he’d slide in perfectly as a stabilizer next to Giannis. He wouldn’t be the primary orchestrator—that’s still Giannis’ job—but he’d offer veteran IQ when the Greek Freak rests.

The Doc Rivers system leans on efficiency and spacing, not just iso-sets, which suits CP3’s surgical passing. But here’s the catch: Milwaukee isn’t set up for a long-term CP3 run. This would be a short-term, win-now bridge… and not much more. Solid on paper. But can a title-hungry team risk depending on a 40-year-old to fill Dame’s shoes?

The emotional pick. The Clippers are where Chris Paul turned into Point God status—Lob City, playoff heartbreaks, and endless memes about “this being the year.” Now, with a potentially reshuffled guard room after James Harden’s stint, the Clippers are back in play. Being near his family checks a huge box for CP3. But what’s the role here? Will Ty Lue ask him to lead the offense, or is it a backup role behind Kawhi Leonard… assuming they’re both healthy at the same time (big ask, we know)?

The system is fast-paced and mismatch-driven. Paul can still thrive in that, but not if he’s buried on the bench. The heart says yes, but the minutes may say otherwise. Are we looking at CP3 the leader, or CP3 the honorary sixth man?

This one’s a throwback. Chris Paul already knows the Suns’ terrain, having shared the floor with Devin Booker. Chemistry? Been there, done that. But this reunion isn’t without its hiccups. With Bradley Beal experimenting as the point guard, does Phoenix even need a traditional PG anymore? Also, salary cap constraints could turn this into a budgeting nightmare. CP3 might get the veteran minimum, but would he even start? Or is he just a nostalgia signing in a system that’s evolved past him?

Dark Horse Options — Surprise CP3 Landing Spots?

If the Big 3 fall through, there are still a few interesting doors open: Orlando Magic – Jalen Suggs is injured, so Paul could lead a young, playoff-hungry group featuring Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero. A short-term spark with long-term mentorship. Utah Jazz – Young stars, a vacant PG role, and total creative control. But the Jazz are in tank mode—do they even want wins? Brooklyn Nets – A rebuilt roster featuring Cam Thomas and Michael Porter Jr. needs a grown-up in the room. Paul could bring structure and sanity.

If we’re being real, the Clippers feel like the heart pick. They offer proximity to family and a chance at a graceful farewell tour in familiar colors. But from a basketball standpoint, the Milwaukee Bucks offer the best mix of need, opportunity, and system fit.

Still, none of these moves are perfect—and that’s the wild part. Chris Paul is navigating free agency with the same precision he used to run a pick-and-roll: slowly, thoughtfully, and with an eye on the final result. Training camp’s right around the corner, and wherever CP3 lands, it’ll likely be the last stop of his legendary career.

Because love him or not, Chris Paul isn’t done yet—and the final chapter’s going to be one worth reading.