Chris Paul's dream destination is alive and well after Bradley Beal move

There aren't many storybook endings available for Chris Paul right now, but a more than favorable one seems to be emerging as a definite possibility for the 20-year veteran. The ex-Spurs point guard is on the record stating that he wants to be closer to his family in LA, and the Clippers can make that happen. LA is expected to sign Bradley Beal after he passes through waivers following the Suns' buying out his contract.

The Clippers would be the ideal spot for CP3

Phoenix did the unthinkable by paying Beal nearly $100 million to get out of town—an admission of a failed experiment. That allows the former Wizards sniper to sign with whoever he wants unless he's claimed on waivers, but nobody would do that because that means they'd have to pick up that hefty bill the Suns are desperately trying to rid themselves of on their cap sheet.

Interestingly enough, Phoenix is the other city CP3 is rumored to have an interest in reuniting with. Either spot would be spinning the block for Paul, as he's had memorable stops at both places. He made his one and only NBA Finals appearance alongside Devin Booker as a member of the Suns, so it's easy to see why he'd be comfortable returning there. They may not feel the same way based on recent reports, though.

Gerald Bourguet covers the Suns full-time, and Gambo is a long-time radio host in Phoenix, known for his ties to the organization and reliable information. If they're saying that it's unlikely that the franchise reconnects with the Point God, it's probably not happening.

But the Clippers will still have money to sign another player after adding Beal. They've already added size to their roster with the acquisitions of John Collins and Brook Lopez, but they could stand to add a pure point guard who doesn't freeze up in big moments like James Harden. Harden will, of course, still play major minutes, but Paul gives them another option when their lead playmaker doesn't have it going, at least in spurts.

The problem would come from the defense. Beal has never been known for his defensive prowess, and at 40 years old as a 6'0" foot point guard, Paul is going to be a turnstile. It will be risky to play them together, so they probably shouldn't do that, but they don't have to. The Clippers will have enough depth on that team to roll out lineups with players who can cover for each other.

I don't think they'll make a ton of noise in the playoffs because their core guys are often injured. The chemistry will probably be off when the postseason rolls around, and you never know who will even be available. But Chris Paul told Jemele Hill that he was only playing one more year "at the most," so going back to an organization that he helped make relevant during the Lob City days would be a great way to go out.