Chris Paul, the Hall of Fame-bound point guard, has officially returned to the Los Angeles Clippers after spending eight seasons away from the team. The 40-year-old veteran, nearing the end of his two-decade <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA career, announced his comeback in 2025, marking a significant moment for both Paul and the Clippers franchise. His return has sparked excitement as fans and analysts anticipate the impact of the Chris Paul Clippers return 2025.
Paul’s career has spanned seven different NBA teams, but his six years with the Clippers stand out as the most defining. During that time, he established himself as a franchise legend, earning accolades and recognition among the league’s elite point guards, despite a bittersweet end to his initial stint with the team.
Examining Chris Paul’s Impact and Departure From the Clippers
Chris Paul’s departure from Los Angeles in 2017 marked a rocky chapter in his career. In the offseason, he left to join Houston Rockets alongside James Harden, bringing an end to what had been a highly productive period with the Clippers. The exit reportedly involved tension surrounding head coach Doc Rivers, and Paul suggested to Clippers owner Steve Ballmer that Rivers played a role in his decision to leave, though Paul also described it as simply “time for a change.”
During his six years in Los Angeles, Paul frequently finished among the top seven in MVP voting, securing five All-NBA Team selections, six All-Defensive First Team honors, and five All-Star bids. Despite this individual success, the Clippers struggled in the playoffs and never advanced to the Western Conference Finals while Paul was there.
Chris Paul’s Reflections on Steve Ballmer’s Support Through the Years
Upon his return, Paul expressed deep appreciation for Clippers owner Steve Ballmer, highlighting Ballmer’s consistent support during both his departure and comeback. Paul praised Ballmer’s character and openness, emphasizing their ongoing communication throughout the years.
“That when I left, how everything sort of happened, right? And me not signing as a free agent, I hadn’t thought about that, you know, like it’s just wild. But Steve [Ballmer] was amazing then, amazing now,”
Paul said.
“I don’t know about the rules and all that stuff in the NBA or whatnot. I don’t know what people can know or what don’t know, but we’ve stayed …text and communicate and stuff like that.”
—Chris Paul, Point Guard
He recalled how the two have maintained a close connection despite the changing dynamics of his career. Paul also shared that he proactively reached out to Ballmer the previous season, curious about the Clippers’ new home at the Intuit Dome and the advanced facilities the franchise now boasts.
“So, just like anybody else, when this place was being built, I was curious. I was curious, so I got a chance to reach out to him last summer and wanted to just see the building,”
Paul explained.
“So, I’m grateful that he showed me around. And so just walking around just now, it’s a totally different feeling, right? Last time I walked through here, I was just sort of peeking because I didn’t know if a guy on the current team was here, and they like, ‘what the hell are you doing?’”
—Chris Paul, Point Guard
Personal Insights Into Ballmer and Their Relationship Over Time
Reflecting on Ballmer’s impact beyond basketball, Paul recounted their initial meeting and the personal side of his relationship with the Clippers owner. He was struck by Ballmer’s commitment to family and how that value has shaped their rapport over the years.
“So, man, I remember when he first got the team. I remember meeting him and talking to him about his family and his kids, and I asked him how many games he’s going to come to. And one of his kids was playing in high school at the time, and he said that if his kid had a game, he wasn’t coming to our game, right? And I’ll never forget it, because I appreciated that, because that showed how much his family meant to him more than all of this,”
Paul concluded.
Looking Ahead to Chris Paul’s Final Chapter With the Clippers
Chris Paul‘s return to the Clippers signals a powerful homecoming for a player who has meant so much to the franchise’s identity. While the team never advanced deep into the playoffs during his previous tenure, his experience and leadership now offer renewed hope as the Clippers aim to make a championship push.
This reunion with Steve Ballmer and the Clippers organization may provide Paul an opportunity to close his illustrious career on familiar ground, while also helping the team reach new heights. Fans and analysts alike will closely watch how this final chapter unfolds and the influence Paul will have on the team’s culture and performance going forward.