Seven seasons ago, Chris Paul was leading the OKC Thunder to a 44-28 record and toward a highly unexpected playoff berth.
In his short, one-year tenure in the Sooner State, he made a lasting impact on the city and the Thunder's core players, most notably Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Sadly, the 2025-2026 season has cast a shadow over the future Hall-of-Famer's career, as the point guard has been shelved since being dismissed from the LA Clippers in early December. Issues with his role were the main reasons cited, as Los Angeles saw the veteran as more of a "last man off the bench" in the twilight of his career.
Now, as part of a three-team deal between the Clippers, Raptors, and Nets, Paul is packing his bags and heading to Toronto.
Or is he?
Former Thunder star being treated like the kid picked last at recess
Even though Paul got sent to the Raptors, they are not asking him to report, and it is being noted that the move was nothing more than a way for the Clippers to free up a roster spot while saving $7 million in luxury tax, according to Shams Charania.
The ESPN insider also went on to speculate that the legendary point guard's future is "very much in question."
Paul was once a coveted player in the league who commanded both respect and admiration from teammates and opponents alike.
Now he is being treated like the kid at recess nobody wants.
His potential exit from the league has tied a tragic bow on a career that is widely acknowledged as one of the greatest the game has ever seen.
Chris Paul finding another suitor is not a given
Though his veteran presence is a valuable asset to any NBA bench, other teams may not be itching to sign a 41-year-old who was just cast aside due to issues with his previous role.
The idea of adding a potential pot stirrer certainly won't be enticing for playoff contenders, so a reunion with Oklahoma City can easily be ruled out.
With his options dwindling, Paul may have no other option but to hang up the jersey and ride off into the sunset. A demoralizing ending to an illustrious career, CP3 will have to hang his hat on his successful years prior to 2025-2026, where he led countless teams to playoff runs with his unmatched combination of scoring and floor vision.
Whether this black mark on his record will affect future accolades and recognition is yet to be seen.