Chris Paul has signed a $3.6 million contract to return to the Los Angeles Clippers, prioritizing family time over his on-court role as he nears the end of his career. The veteran guard, now 40, is expected to have a smaller role with the team but values the opportunity to be closer to his loved ones.
Why Family Came First in Paul’s Decision to Rejoin the Clippers
Paul recently shared with Forbes that growing up in a family-centered environment strongly influenced his decision. Raised around his extended family in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, he recalls cherished weekly routines and holiday traditions.
“That was the main factor… I grew up around all my family as a kid, right? I did the same things every week, every weekend, every Christmas Eve we did at my great-grandfather’s church, right? We did all those different things at my grandfather’s church,”
he explained.
Paul also emphasized how difficult the past six years have been without frequent family access due to his NBA commitments.
“It was wild, the past six years not getting to see my family, you know, and my kids, you know, how quickly they change and how fast they change. And obviously, this is the NASDAQ, Forbes, and everything and everyone’s talking about wealth and money and all these different things, but the most valuable thing that we have is time,”
he said.
Reflecting on sacrifices made throughout his career, Paul shared the importance of valuing moments with his children.
“And I’ve lost a lot of valuable time. Sacrifice and many people do that throughout their lives, and to each his own, but I knew that you know, this time now with my kids is very valuable. So, I cherish it,”
he added.
A Deep Family and Community Connection Behind Paul’s Journey
Chris Paul’s upbringing in Winston-Salem laid the foundation for his values and basketball career. He learned discipline and faith from his close family, including his father who also coached him and his older brother C.J. during their youth. Paul attended West Forsyth High School in Clemmons, North Carolina, where he showed early promise as a star player.
Paul’s bond to his hometown remains strong, in part through ongoing charitable efforts via the Chris Paul Family Foundation. After starting in the NBA with the New Orleans Hornets, Paul established roots in Los Angeles, playing for the Clippers from 2011 to 2017 and getting married there. His wife and children continue to live in LA, which makes his return to the Clippers a natural choice.
Paul’s Enduring Impact on the Court Despite Changing Role
During the 2024-25 NBA season with the San Antonio Spurs, Paul maintained solid performance statistics, averaging 8.8 points, 7.4 assists, and 3.6 rebounds across all 82 games. His ability to stay healthy and active at age 40 underscores his reputation as one of the most reliable and skilled point guards in the league, often called “the point god.”
While his scoring may not match earlier prime years, Paul’s leadership and playmaking continue to be valuable assets, especially as a veteran presence managing the Clippers’ bench.
Mixed Reactions to Paul’s Return Reflect Varied Views on Clippers’ Direction
Despite Paul‘s clear motivation to balance career and family, some voices in the basketball community remain critical. For example, Kendrick Perkins sharply criticized the Clippers after Paul’s signing, accusing the team of becoming the “nursing home of the NBA,” highlighting concerns about the reliance on aging players.
Still, Paul’s return is significant for both his personal priorities and the Clippers’ strategy, as he seeks to contribute meaningfully while maximizing time with his family. His choice symbolizes a broader dialogue in professional sports about valuing life beyond the game.