Despite the sentimental allure of a homecoming, the Charlotte Hornets are reportedly not expected to pursue a trade for veteran point guard Chris Paul. Following the Los Angeles Clippers’ decision to part ways with the future Hall of Famer earlier this week, speculation naturally turned to potential landing spots, with his home state of North Carolina being a popular theory. However, recent reporting suggests that the door is closed.

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, sources with knowledge of the Hornets’ thinking indicate the franchise is not looking to acquire the 39-year-old guard. While Charlotte had expressed interest in Paul during the offseason, the dynamic has shifted. Back in the summer, Paul reportedly rebuffed the team’s interest, favoring a situation in the Western Conference where he could compete for a title. Now, as the Hornets focus on their young core, adding a veteran nearing 40 doesn’t appear to align with their current trajectory.

Clippers Move On, Paul Awaits Next Chapter

The Clippers sent shockwaves through the league on December 3 by sending Chris Paul home, effectively ending his second stint with the franchise. The team is currently exploring options to trade him once he becomes eligible on December 15. If a trade partner doesn’t emerge, the Clippers are expected to waive him, allowing him to sign with any team as a free agent.

League sources told NBC Sports that even interested teams are hesitant to give up assets in a trade. The prevailing strategy seems to be patience—waiting for Chris Paul to hit the free agent market, where he can be signed for a veteran minimum or similar contract without the need to match salaries or send draft capital to Los Angeles.

For Chris Paul, the situation represents a sudden pivot in his 20th NBA season. In his first public comments to PEOPLE magazine following the news, he expressed a sense of calm regarding the uncertainty.

“I’m actually at peace with everything,” Paul said. “More than anything, I’m excited about being around and getting a chance to play a small role in whatever anything looks like next.”

Why Charlotte Isn’t Biting

The lack of interest from Charlotte makes sense from a basketball operations standpoint. The Hornets are currently in a developmental phase, heavily invested in LaMelo Ball as their franchise point guard. Bringing in Chris Paul, even as a mentor, might complicate the rotation or take valuable minutes away from younger guards needing on-court experience to develop.

Furthermore, Paul’s production has naturally dipped with age. In his limited time with the Clippers this season, he played a reserve role, a significant shift for a player who has started the vast majority of games in his decorated career. While his leadership is undeniable, his on-court impact isn’t what it was during his prime “Lob City” years or his tenure with the Phoenix Suns.