Chris Paul returns to LA Clippers
LOS ANGELES - Chris Paul is coming home.
On Monday, the Los Angeles Clippers announced the 12-time NBA All-Star will return to the for his final season.
What we know:
Chris Paul, a fan-favorite during the Clippers' "Lob City" era, is apparently back for his final season in the league.
Often referred to as the "Point God," the elite playmaker joins a stacked Clippers roster, joining fellow future Hall-of-Famers Kawhi Leonard and James Harden.
The 40-year-old last played for Los Angeles during the 2016-17 season, in which the Clips fell to the Utah Jazz in the first round of the playoffs.
During his previous tenure as a Clipper, he led LA to the playoffs in each of his six seasons and holds the organization's record for assists.
Chris Paul #3 of the LA Clippers argues his foul call during the first half against the Utah Jazz in Game Two of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 18, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo (Getty Images)
Paul's signing also comes days after the Clippers agreed to a deal with Bradley Beal following a contract buyout with the Phoenix Suns. Other notable signings the Clippers have made this offseason include Brook Lopez and John Collins.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE:
Paul is the only active player from the 2005 draft class that included Nate Robinson, Andrew Bogut, Channing Frye and Andrew Bynum.
What they're saying:
"Chris is one of the most impactful players to ever wear a Clippers uniform and it's appropriate that he returns to the team for this chapter of his career," said Lawrence Frank, Clippers President of Basketball Operations. "Chris will help fortify our backcourt with his exceptional ballhandling, playmaking and shooter. He is joining us a reserve point guard and is excited to fill whatever role T Lue asks him to play. He wants to be part of the group and we're fortunate to have him back."
During an interview with Pat McAfee last month, Paul revealed he wanted to be closer to his family. In addition, he said his decision to retire after the 2025-26 season was "about my family more than anything."
He revealed it's been difficult to be away from his family, which includes his 16-year-old son and 12-year-old daughter.
"The past six seasons, I've lived without them. So, I go to San Antonio, Phoenix, Golden State… I've been around a few teams, but I've been away from them for the last six years, so it's a little different," he said.
"You don't get that time back," he said. "I love to hoop but at the same time, I want to be dad."
The backstory:
Paul grew up in North Carolina and played college hoops at Wake Forest University. He then declared for the NBA Draft following his sophomore season, where he was selected as the fourth overall pick by the New Orleans Hornets.
He joined the Clippers in 2011, where he spent six seasons. Now, he returns to Los Angeles in what's expected to be his farewell tour.
He joined the Clippers in 2011, where he spent six seasons. Now, he returns to Los Angeles in what's expected to be his farewell tour.
The Source: Information from ESPN's Shams Charania and Chris Paul's live interview with Pat McAfee on June 5, 2025.
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