Chris Paul, nearing the final chapter of his 20-year NBA career, has decided to return to the Los Angeles Clippers, where he began his legacy as one of the franchise’s greatest players. This choice comes after a free agency period in 2025 where Paul considered rejoining the Phoenix Suns, sparking interest and reactions from Suns star Devin Booker.
Chris Paul’s Decision to Return to Los Angeles
After leading the Clippers during an impactful initial six-year stretch, Chris Paul has opted to come back to Los Angeles for another run, aiming to close out his career where he once made a significant mark. Despite exploring options, the veteran point guard found the opportunity to reunite with the Clippers more appealing, especially with his connection to the franchise and the city.
The Possibility of a Paul-Booker Reunion in Phoenix
During free agency, Paul noticeably considered a return to the Phoenix Suns, a team he previously helped guide to the NBA Finals in 2021 alongside Devin Booker. Sources revealed that Booker was supportive of the idea, recognizing the effectiveness of their partnership and Phoenix’s need for a proven playmaker after Tyus Jones left for Orlando as a free agent.
Sources say that Suns star Devin Booker was a fan of the idea, too, given how well he and Paul played together during the Suns’ run to the NBA Finals in 2021 and with Phoenix seemingly in need of a proven playmaker after Tyus Jones’ free agent departure to Orlando,
—Marc Stein, NBA Insider
Phoenix’s Shift in Strategy and Impact on Paul’s Choice
Despite the appeal of reuniting with Booker, the Suns ultimately ceased pursuing Chris Paul. Instead, they focused on acquiring other players, including Marcus Smart, who chose to join the Lakers, and recently adding Jordan Goodwin and Jared Butler to their roster through waivers and non-guaranteed contracts, respectively.
The Suns, though, opted instead to pursue Marcus Smart, who chose to sign with the Lakers over Phoenix, before making two financially favorable additions last week by claiming Jordan Goodwin off waivers and signing Jared Butler to a non-guaranteed contract,
—Marc Stein, NBA Insider
Word is Phoenix, having just hired a first-time head coach in Jordan Ott, wasn’t certain that Paul’s considerable voice and presence would slot right in.
—Marc Stein, NBA Insider
Chris Paul’s Reflections on Returning to the Clippers
Chris Paul expressed clear enthusiasm about returning to the Clippers, emphasizing his desire to come back regardless of the team’s condition. His connection to Los Angeles and the Clippers organization outweighed other considerations during his decision-making process.
Chris Paul is happy to be back with the Clippers
“If I’m really honest, I wanted to get back and play here by any means necessary. I didn’t even care what the team looked like. I just wanted to be home, be here with the Clippers.”
—Chris Paul, Point Guard
Significance of Paul’s Choice and Next Steps for the Suns and Clippers
Paul’s return to the Clippers marks a meaningful narrative for both the player and the franchise, promising a potential final chapter filled with leadership and experience. While the Suns lose the chance to reunite Paul with Booker, they have taken a different path under new head coach Jordan Ott.
For Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns, this means continuing to build around their younger talents and new roster moves, while the Clippers look to leverage Paul’s exceptional playmaking to enhance their playoff aspirations for the upcoming season.