Chris Paul Returns to Clippers for 21st NBA Season
Chris Paul reunites with the Clippers for his 21st and likely final NBA season on a one-year, $3.6M deal—bringing veteran leadership and championship hopes.
Chris Paul is back where one of his brightest chapters unfolded. At 40, the 12‑time All‑Star has signed a one‑year, $3.6 million deal to play a storybook final season with the Los Angeles Clippers, a reunion that excites fans and bolsters the team’s title aspirations. Why is this move so impactful? Let’s dive in.
Why Chris Paul-Charged Clippers Matter
Chris Paul Returns to Clippers for 21st NBA Season
- Paul originally spent six seasons (2011–17) with the Clippers during the iconic “Lob City” era, helping the team reach the playoffs every year (Bleacher Report, ESPN.com, Diario AS).
- He still holds the franchise record for 4,023 assists and 2.2 steals per game (Reuters).
Veteran Leadership at Its Finest
- After averaging 8.8 points and 7.4 assists over 82 starts for the Spurs, Paul proved he remains an elite playmaker (San Antonio Express-News).
- Known as an locker-room mentor, he guided Spurs and Spurs rookies like Victor Wembanyama (Bleacher Report).
Clippers Roster Overhaul — Where Paul Fits
The Clippers are stacking experience:
- Bradley Beal – sharpshooter
- John Collins – athletic forward
- Brook Lopez – veteran rim protector
- James Harden & Kawhi Leonard – All-Star core
- Chris Paul – engine and floor general
This adds up to one of the NBA’s most seasoned rosters. At +2800 odds to win the championship, they’re considered top-10 contenders (SI, Bleacher Report, Diario AS).
What This Season Could Mean for Paul
A Farewell With Family Close
Paul has said this is likely his “final year,” emphasizing how being close to loved ones mattered in choosing the Clippers (Talksport).
Legacy on the Line
- He’s second all-time in assists (12,499) and steals (2,717) (Reuters).
Chris Paul Returns to Clippers for 21st NBA Season
- Yet he’s still searching for that elusive NBA title — will this reunion bring it?
“At the most, a year… these years you do not get back with your kids, with your family.” (BILD, Bleacher Report)
Role on & off the Court
- Paul will strengthen the bench unit and serve as Harden’s backup—possibly impacting late-game playmaking (SI, Hoops Rumors).
- Expect more mentorship: from young prospects to boosting team chemistry.
Key Stats to Know
- Age: 40, entering 21st NBA season (Reuters)
- Contract: One-year, $3.6 million (Reuters)
- Career Averages: ~17 PPG, 9.2 APG, 2.1 SPG (Reuters)
- Franchise Records: Clippers all-time in assists (4,023) (ESPN.com)
- 2024–25 Spurs: Started all 82 games (first player to do so in his 20th season or later) (ESPN.com)
Will This Bring the NBA Title?
Playoff Hurdles
- Paul’s original stint saw playoff consistency, but never beyond the Western Conference semis (SI).
- Recent Clippers seasons ended in first-round exits despite 50+ wins (Wikipedia).
Title Calculus
- Age is a concern: this is the league’s oldest roster (SBNation.com).
- Depth is strong, but they trail elite teams like the Nuggets, Thunder, and Rockets (SI).
Insert image infographic here illustrating:
- Chris Paul’s career timeline (teams, crucial stats)
- Clippers’ lineup depth chart (starters + bench)
- Title odds vs. Western opponents
What Fans Should Watch
- Bench Efficiency – How Paul leads the second unit
- Playoff minutes – Will he be clutch or limited?
- Team chemistry – Can veteran synergy overcome age?
Chris Paul’s return to the Clippers is more than a feel-good reunion—it’s a strategic acquisition blending heart, experience, and ambition. For Paul, it’s possibly a swan song near family and a final title pursuit. For L.A., it’s a chance to turn potential into playoff breakthroughs.
Internal Links:
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- “Top 5 Clippers Offseason Moves”
- “Bradley Beal’s Impact on L.A.”
- External Links:
- ESPN free agency report
- NBA.com’s free-agency tracker