The Clippers’ new All-Star point guard Chris Paul is expected to be a free agent in July and could sign with a team, according to several league sources.
The Clippers have had several discussions with the Los Angeles Lakers about Paul, according a source.
The Lakers, meanwhile, are waiting for the Clippers’ first official meeting with the franchise.
The talks have been ongoing since the summer and were discussed during a visit by Lakers President of Basketball Operations Lon Babby to the Clippers facility on Wednesday.
The Los Angeles Times first reported the talks.
Paul will be an unrestricted free agent after this season, but the Clippers could make a trade or sign him to a minimum contract with the team that makes him available to them.
They would need to give up a first-round pick or a player to make a deal happen.
The Nets, who have an open roster spot, would likely take a chance on a free-agent point guard.
Paul, who averaged 17.6 points and 8.4 assists last season, is one of the NBA’s best passers and one of its most effective rim protectors.
The 32-year-old is averaging 20.2 points, 6.8 assists and 1.7 steals per game.
He is a team leader in assists per game and assists per 36 minutes.