The Dallas Mavericks have emerged as a plausible destination for Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul, according to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne during the Mason & Ireland show on ESPN Los Angeles. This speculation arises amidst ongoing uncertainty about Paul’s future with the Clippers and the potential for a buyout or waiver move.
Why the Mavericks Could Be a Fit
Chris Paul’s connection to the Mavericks goes beyond mere speculation. He worked out during the offseason with Cooper Flagg, a player represented by the same agency, which builds a natural link between Paul and Dallas.
“My team, that I would say makes sense, and I’ve said this the whole time, I think the Dallas Mavericks make a lot of sense. He worked out with Cooper Flagg in the offseason. They’re represented by the same agency. I think Cooper likes him,”
a source explained.
You know, Chris is an acquired taste, right? Like, either you like somebody who’s, what do you call them, a redass? He’s intense. Right? I think Cooper’s intense, too, and they like each other. They get along. So, I could see that, but they don’t have a roster spot right now. So there’s just a lot of things that have to happen for people to have the roster spots and then the wherewithal and the decision to go do that. Plus, I think Jason Kidd could handle him.
— Ramona Shelburne, ESPN
Current Status with the Clippers
Chris Paul has faced challenges within the Clippers organization, highlighted by the team sending him home during a road trip in December. The Clippers reportedly felt that Paul’s leadership style clashed with the team culture, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Despite these issues, Paul remains on the Clippers roster, though a trade by the NBA deadline appears increasingly likely.
“It will work out where he ends up some place, because I think he is a respected figure in the NBA and whoever decides to bring him in if he gets bought out or waived or something like that later, that would be seen as a good karmic gesture,”
Shelburne added.
Paul’s Career and Impact
Chris Paul, who confirmed to Law Murray of The Athletic that the 2025-26 season will be his final one, boasts a distinguished NBA career. Over 21 seasons, he has averaged 16.8 points, 9.2 assists, and 2.0 steals per game. He is a 12-time All-Star, 11-time All-NBA selection, and was honored as part of the league’s 75th Anniversary Team. However, Paul’s performance this season has been below his usual standards, averaging just 2.9 points on 32.1 percent shooting in 16 games.
The Mavericks’ Playoff Hopes and Paul’s Role
The Dallas Mavericks currently hold a 19-30 record and are enduring a four-game losing streak, placing them 12th in the standings. Their chances of making the playoffs are slim, though they could enter the play-in tournament if they can surpass the 10th-place Portland Trail Blazers, who currently sit at 23-27. Adding a veteran like Chris Paul might provide the leadership and experience needed to spark a late-season resurgence for Dallas. If acquired, Paul could significantly influence the Mavericks’ final stretch in pursuit of postseason contention.
Ramona Shelburne says the Mavericks are a team to watch for Chris Paul, after he eventually gets waived:
“I think the Dallas Mavericks make a lot of sense. He worked out with Cooper Flagg in the off-season, they’re represented by the same agency, I think Cooper likes him.”… pic.twitter.com/2zQ46j66SL
— CP3REGION (@CP3REGION) February 3, 2026
