After years apart, veteran NBA stars Chris Paul and James Harden are once again teammates with the Los Angeles Clippers, reigniting a partnership that once fueled one of the league’s most formidable teams. This reunion comes nearly six years after their time together on the Houston Rockets, where they formed a highly competitive duo against the dominant Golden State Warriors during the 2017-18 season.
During his first press conference as a Clipper, Paul openly addressed the intense dynamic he shared with Harden in Houston, referring to the memorable moments that defined their relationship. Despite publicized tensions, Paul focused on the bond and mutual respect they built.
“Yeah, we talked about it and talked about just the history of obviously being there in Houston,”
Paul said.
“And it’s funny man, for that clip that goes around, there was a lot of stuff, funnier stuff than that, that was just sort of our relationship.”
He emphasized that the heated exchanges were part of what made their squad so effective.
“But I think that’s what made that team so good,”
Paul added.
“We got on each other in different situations, but that team, I can honestly say it was one of the [most fun] teams I’ve ever been on in my career.”
Reflecting on Their Past Challenges Together
Throughout Harden’s 16-year career, he’s shared court time with some of the NBA’s legendary figures, including Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook on the Oklahoma City Thunder, Durant and Kyrie Irving on the Nets, Joel Embiid in Philadelphia, and Dwight Howard in Houston. Yet, vintage followers often recall Paul as one of Harden’s most significant teammates due to the Rockets’ fierce 2017-18 playoff battles with the Warriors.
Despite stellar performances, Paul and Harden’s joint pursuit of a championship was overshadowed by repeated playoff disappointments, notably falling short against Durant and Golden State. Their on-court chemistry was often scrutinized following public moments where it seemed the duo’s partnership was strained, eventually leading to Paul’s departure from Houston after two seasons.
Setting Sights on a Final Championship Pursuit
Today, Harden, at 35, and Paul, at 40, find themselves in different phases of their careers but share a common goal: bringing a championship title to Los Angeles. Both are aware that time is limited as Paul edges closer to the twilight of his career, making this reunion especially meaningful.
“And James [Harden] is one of those guys that loves to be in the gym all day long, and so it’s wild that you get this opportunity again after those two years and the success that we had and we definitely know we have unfinished business, so we’ll get a chance to see what’s going on here,”
Paul said.
With a lineup featuring Kawhi Leonard, Bradley Beal, Ivica Zubac, Harden, Paul, and other talented role players, the Clippers appear poised for a deep playoff run. This group combines experienced leadership with high-level talent, all driven by a shared determination to capture an NBA title.
As the 2025-26 NBA season approaches, many speculate it could mark Chris Paul’s final chapter as a player. There is a strong sense that winning a championship in Los Angeles, alongside familiar faces, would provide a fitting and memorable conclusion to his illustrious career.