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Chris Paul joined the Houston Rockets in 2017 with the primary goal of winning an NBA championship, and the former All-Star's first season in Houston proved to be a hit. The Rockets came within a game of reaching the NBA Finals, and many analysts noted that the Mike D'Antoni's side would have advanced if not for Paul missing Games 6 and 7 through injury.
In light of his excellent first season, the Rockets rewarded Paul with a four-year, $160 million extension, although CP3's second campaign in Houston was disrupted by injuries and rumors of a feud with James Harden.
And, after being eliminated by the Warriors in the Western Conference Semifinals, the Rockets decided to send CP3 to Oklahoma City in exchange for Russell Westbrook.
At 34, Paul has no place on a rebuilding Thunder roster, and general manager Sam Presti is expected to offer the point guard to contending teams. So, with Paul unlikely to stick around in Oklahoma City, here are three of his most likely destinations.
#3 Los Angeles Lakers
After making a significant splurge in free agency, the Los Angeles Lakers don't have the cap space to take on the remaining three years of Paul's huge contract. However, a buyout with the Thunder remains possible as Presti and Paul himself could become increasingly desperate as the February trade deadline approaches.
If a buyout is agreed, Paul would jump at the opportunity to play alongside his longtime close friend LeBron James, and the point guard is a notable upgrade over Rajon Rondo. Ultimately, a move to the Lakers makes the most sense for CP3's career, although the former All-Star will have to leave plenty of money on the table.
#2 Detroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons showed plenty of potential last season, although the franchise was swept aside by the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round of the playoffs. Blake Griffin's injury highlighted just how much Dwane Casey's team rely on his input, and the Pistons would benefit from the presence of a third star alongside Griffin and Andre Drummond.
In order to land Paul, the Pistons would have to offload the likes of Reggie Jackson, Tony Snell, and Langston Galloway, although few Detroit fans would resist the idea.
Admittedly, Griffin and CP3 often bashed heads during their six seasons together with the Clippers although the two were able to pull things together on the court. In a depleted Eastern Conference, the trio of Paul, Griffin, and Drummond could do some real damage, and the Pistons should strongly consider putting together their own version of 'Lob City'.
#1 Miami Heat
After completing a stunning sign-and-trade for Jimmy Butler earlier this summer, the Miami Heat have set out to land a second star. The Heat initially believed that Russell Westbrook could be the man to come in alongside Butler, although the 2017 MVP was soon dealt to the Rockets.
The Heat have since expressed an interest in signing Paul, and Pat Riley is believed to view the 34-year-old as an adequate consolation prize to Westbrook. There will also be plenty of motivation to finalize a deal on the Thunder's side, as the franchise is keen to free up cap space as they push forward with a rebuild.
If Miami begin the season slowly, you can almost guarantee that Butler will be in Riley's office demanding additions, and there is a good possibility that Paul will be a Miami player before the end of the year.
