Last offseason, the San Antonio Spurs signed Chris Paul to a one-year deal in the hopes that he would run their offense and mentor Victor Wembanyama. Considering that he turned 39 during the season, it's safe to say he did an excellent job, averaging 8.8 points and 7.4 assists for the Spurs in a whopping 82 starts last season.
When he arrived in San Antonio, he made it clear that he relished the chance to "hoop" and did not want to have a Udonis Haslem-style role. He wants to play and be a real contributor on the court, not just in the locker room.
With the addition of De'Aaron Fox, the breakout of Stephon Castle (which Paul can take credit for!), and the Spurs seemingly poised to draft Dylan Harper, the backcourt is quickly becoming crowded, and there might not be enough minutes to appease Paul.
If he decides not to retire, no one would blame him for signing with whichever team gives him the chance to play, even if he ends up on a bitter rival.
With Kyrie Irving injured for most of next season with an ACL tear, the star-studded Dallas Mavericks have a clear void at point guard, and Paul's pass-first wizardly would fit in well with the Mavs, who have very real title hopes.
A starting five of Paul, Klay Thompson, PJ Washington, Cooper Flagg, and Anthony Davis, with Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively III, Naji Marshall, Spencer Dinwiddie, and Caleb Martin coming off the bench, should certainly be able to compete in the Western Conference.
Paul is no longer the All-NBA or All-Defensive player he once was, but he can facilitate with the best of them still and can knock down the occasional 3-point shot as needed.
He's spent the twilight of his career mentoring Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Devin Booker, and Victor Wembanyama. He could write one last chapter in Dallas, playing meaningful basketball, trying to win a ring, and showing Flagg the ropes, setting the Mavs up for both long and short-term success.
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