The 2025 NBA Free period is set to officially tip-off on June 30. With that in mind, the Charlotte Hornets have “been searching for veteran ball-handlers to back up” face of the franchise LaMelo Ball, per The Stein Line insider Jake Fischer. The third overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, Ball was the 2021 Rookie of the Year and named an All-Star the next season. Unfortunately, his trajectory has been curbed by injuries; the Chino Hills product has played just 105 games over the past three seasons.
Given that, having a starting-caliber backup point guard is a priority.
It may not be the easiest trick to pull off, especially with the Hornets recent struggles. Still, the Hornets actually do have a few interesting options this summer. The first that come to mind may be former lottery pick D’Angelo Russell and 2025 Sixth Man of the Year candidate Ty Jerome. There’s one that tops all of the others though, and it’s right under everyone’s nose.
Chris Paul Is Hornets Ideal Free Agent Target
Recent rumors about 12-time All-Star, Chris Paul, have pinpointed Los Angeles as the optimal destination for him in free agency as it’s his current home base.
If true, the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers and Sacramento Kings could be perceived as his best options. However, it should also be noted that the Kings are expected to sign Dennis Schroder in free agency. The Clippers, who Paul starred for from 2011-12 to 2015-16, may be the most likely spot for him. The Lakers, who are preparing for LeBron James –a close friend of Paul’s–to retire after 2025-26, are right there as well.
Paul may have interest in returning to his home state too.
Poetically, it’ll be a full circle moment. Paul’s a North Carolina native that attended West Forsyth High School in Clemmons (NC) and Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem (NC), where he was born. Few athletes actually get to complete such a gauntlet.
More than that even, it’s the perfect situation for him professionally.
At this point of his Hall of Fame career, Paul is still an incredible facilitator and efficient shooter. Box scores won’t always show it, but he constantly makes winning makes with his intelligence and experience. He’s a true extension of the head coach when he’s on the court.
Yet, at his advanced age, he would be best in a role that didn’t place too much pressure on him. With Ball averaging 32.0 minutes per game in 2024-25, Paul would be in line for about 20 minutes per game. That’s essentially a sweet spot for the 40-year-old. Ball’s injury history also suggests he’ll get to start at some point, which would likely appeal to Paul as well.
Intangible Value
It’s not just the on-court aspect.
Paul has taken a special interest in helping lead the next generation of hoopers, down to having his own AAU team. That being said, Ball is universally considered to be one of the most gifted point guards in the league. He’s also only 23.
With Paul’s guidance, Ball might mature both on the court and off of it. At least one of those will help elevate him to true superstar status. The impact that Paul could have on Ball as a man and human should appeal to everyone. Most importantly, it should matter to Hornets executive vice president Jeff Peterson, who has prioritized character and culture.
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