Chris Paul returns to the Los Angeles Clippers, marking a significant reunion as he prepares for what may be his final NBA season in 2025-26. The seasoned point guard, who spent six productive years with the franchise between 2011 and 2017, is coming back to a team that traded for James Harden early in the 2023-24 season, setting the stage for a renewed partnership in pursuit of a championship.
Paul’s Journey Since Leaving the Clippers in 2017
Paul’s initial departure from the Clippers came in 2017 when he requested a trade to the Houston Rockets, aiming to boost his chances at an NBA title alongside Harden. Their first pairing, however, ended with tension; Paul was later traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Russell Westbrook after reportedly falling out with Harden. A league source told Yahoo Sports in 2019,
“He wanted Chris up out of there.”
Now older and with the experience of years behind them, Paul and Harden are once again teammates, hoping to claim their first championships together.
Paul’s Current Form and Role on the Team
At 39, Paul played a full 82-game season last year with the San Antonio Spurs, one of only six players league-wide to start every game. Despite his age, he remained an effective playmaker, finishing the season with nearly five times as many assists as turnovers and maintaining strong shooting from mid-range and beyond the arc. Though no longer the explosive driver to the basket or the elite defender he once was, Paul still shows a solid ability to create turnovers and position himself well defensively. His versatility and experience make him valuable not only as a starter but also as a high-level backup option.
Family Considerations Influencing Paul’s Return
Family has played a crucial role in Paul’s decision to return to Los Angeles. Since his trade away from Houston in 2019, his family has remained in L.A., and Paul expressed on The Pat McAfee Show that he refused to live apart from them any longer. He stated,
“I talked to my family about it. My son just turned 16. My daughter’s 12. The past six seasons I have lived without them. I’ve been away from them for the last six years. That’s the conversation. I wanna be dad.”
This personal priority narrowed his team options primarily to the Clippers and the Lakers.
Why the Clippers Offered a Better Fit than the Lakers
While Paul shares a close friendship with LeBron James of the Lakers, the Clippers represented a stronger basketball fit due to their roster needs. The Lakers have an abundance of ball handlers, including James, Luka Dončić, and Austin Reaves, limiting Paul’s opportunities to handle the ball. Conversely, the Clippers required a reliable backup shot creator behind Harden, a role that both Kevin Porter Jr. and Bogdan Bogdanović struggled to fill last season. Paul’s ability to maintain offensive flow is expected to keep the Clippers competitive when Harden rests.
Clippers’ Outlook and Challenges for the Upcoming Season
The Clippers enter the new season positioned as Western Conference underdogs, holding the seventh-best odds to win the conference according to Caesars Sportsbook (+1400). Their 2023-24 campaign ended with a first-round playoff exit, and Kawhi Leonard’s health remains an ongoing question. Despite these challenges, the team showed resilience and now has increased salary cap flexibility along with tradable draft picks, providing opportunities to strengthen the roster. With Paul back on board, the Clippers hope to improve their championship chances.
The Significance of Paul’s Return to L.A.
Chris Paul’s comeback to the Clippers is more than a reunion; it could be the final chapter in the career of one of the NBA’s most accomplished guards. As a likely Hall of Famer, Paul’s leadership and playmaking experience will be critical for a Clippers team aiming to contend seriously in a difficult Western Conference. His return also signals renewed chemistry with Harden, potentially providing the boost needed for a deep playoff run. For Paul, this season represents both a professional pursuit of greatness and a personal choice to remain close to family in Los Angeles.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Are Chris Paul and LeBron still friends?
A. He’s seen as a mentor and role model by many in the league, including Bronny James from the Los Angeles Lakers. Paul shares a well-known close friendship with LeBron James. However, fewer people might be aware of his connection with LeBron’s son, Bronny.
Q. Is Chris Paul Bronny’s godfather?
A. James’s godfather is Chris Paul, a famous NBA player and a good friend of his dad. In 2020, James joined the esports group FaZe Clan.
Q. Why does Chris Paul wear 3?
A. To honor his childhood hero, he chose the number 3. Johnson explained to KENS5, “I was the third child in my family. Chris Paul was my favorite player when I was young. I used to watch many of his highlights.”
Q. Has Chris Paul had a ring?
A. Chris Paul, a point guard from North Carolina, might be remembered as one of the top players without an NBA Championship ring. His best chance was in 2021 when the Phoenix Suns led 2-0 in the NBA Finals. However, Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks won four consecutive games to secure the championship.