Chris Paul Returns to the Los Angeles Clippers, Eyes Potential Final NBA Season
The Los Angeles Clippers have reached an agreement with veteran point guard Chris Paul, marking a return to the franchise where he previously spearheaded the “Lob City” era. According to reports from ESPN’s Shams Charania and NBA insider Chris Haynes, Paul has signed a one-year, $3.6 million contract with the Clippers.
Paul, a 12-time All-Star, is widely expected to play his 21st and final NBA season in 2025-26. He spent the 2024-25 campaign with the San Antonio Spurs, appearing in all 82 games. This marked his second consecutive offseason entering free agency as one of the most sought-after point guards available, even ranking as Yahoo Sports’ top free-agent at the position after Fred VanVleet re-signed with the Houston Rockets.
While no longer the dominant scorer of his prime, the 40-year-old Paul remains a highly effective floor general and distributor. He demonstrated remarkable durability last season, starting and playing in every one of the Spurs’ 82 contests. His scoring output dipped to a career-low 8.8 points per game, but he continued to excel as a playmaker, averaging 7.4 assists and a low 1.6 turnovers. Paul also proved efficient from beyond the arc, connecting on 37.7% of his 4.5 three-point attempts per game, while contributing 1.3 steals per game on the defensive end.
“He may not be what he was at his peak,” one analyst noted, “but he remains an impact player and one of the league’s most respected veteran voices.”
Paul recently discussed his potential retirement timeline in an interview with Jemele Hill at the American Black Film Festival. “At the most, a year,” Paul stated with a chuckle, reflecting on his 20 seasons in the league. He emphasized the importance of spending time with family and loved ones, including his grandmother, who faithfully watches his games. “These years you do not get back with your kids, with your family,” he explained.
His return to Los Angeles evokes memories of his highly successful six-year stint with the Clippers from 2011-2017. During that period, the franchise, led by Paul alongside the high-flying duo of Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan, experienced a significant resurgence, becoming a playoff contender and captivating fans with their electrifying “Lob City” offense. The Clippers reached the postseason in each of Paul’s seasons with the team, a stark contrast to their previous 14 years with only one playoff appearance.
Despite the on-court success, that era was also marked by challenges, including the controversial Donald Sterling scandal, ownership changes, and ultimately, a failure to advance beyond the Western Conference Semifinals – despite holding a 3-1 series lead against the Houston Rockets in 2015. Individually, Paul thrived, earning five All-Star selections and multiple All-NBA honors.
Now, Paul joins a Clippers team aiming for a championship run, led by Kawhi Leonard and James Harden. Los Angeles has also added Bradley Beal, John Collins, and Brook Lopez this offseason, bolstering their roster. Throughout his storied career, Paul has played for seven franchises – the New Orleans Hornets (2005-11), Clippers (2011-17), Rockets (2017-19), Oklahoma City Thunder (2019-20), Phoenix Suns (2020-23), Golden State Warriors (2023-24), and Spurs (2024-25) – averaging 17 points, 9.2 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 2 steals per game.
While an NBA championship remains elusive, Paul’s resume is filled with accolades, including 11 All-NBA selections and nine NBA All-Defensive Team nods. He currently ranks second all-time in NBA history with 12,499 assists and 2,717 steals. Paul’s final season promises to be a compelling chapter in the career of one of the league’s most respected and accomplished point guards.
