The latest news out of the NBA is that Chris Paul is returning to the Los Angeles Clippers on a one-year deal. While the 12-time All-Star is returning to the team where he spent six seasons of his decorated career, this upcoming season could be his last.
NBA insider Shams Charania said on NBA Today that Paul expects to end his career with the Clippers after this season. He cited that Paul’s decision was also influenced by his desire to play on a team that allowed him to spend more time with his family.
“Chris Paul wanted to stay near his family in Los Angeles this upcoming season. And the Clippers needed another reserve guard, they needed someone at the point guard position coming off the bench,” Charania said. “I’m told Chris Paul is expected to retire after this season…His plan is for this to be his final season.”
Paul was one of 11 players to appear in all 82 games for the San Antonio Spurs last season, becoming the first player in his 20th season to do so. He averaged 8.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 7.4 assists on 42.7% shooting while the Spurs missed the playoffs with a 34-48 record.
Paul Returns To His Old Team
The 40-year-old Paul returns to the Clippers after playing for five teams since 2017. He rejoins the franchise as its all-time leader in assists and the only player in team history to make five All-Star and All-NBA teams.
Though he appeared in every single game for San Antonio last season as a veteran leader, Paul expects to play a smaller role on this current Clippers squad. Charania stated that though he might not even see on-court action on certain nights, the point guard is ready to embrace his role on the team.
“I’m told Chris Paul understands his role could fluctuate night to night,” Charania said. “He might not play on some nights, but the ability to start, come off the bench, and be a plug-and-play player. This is someone who could have a pretty impactful role coming off that Clippers bench.”
Paul reportedly had offers from the Milwaukee Bucks, Dallas Mavericks, and Charlotte Hornets. The Clippers were also targeting Malcolm Brodgon as a potential backup point guard, but decided on a reunion with the ‘Point God’ instead.
The Clippers Are Old
With Paul’s arrival, Los Angeles is now one of the oldest teams in the NBA. They have eight players over 30, and though they come with experience, it also comes with injury history. Bradley Beal, the team’s latest signing after a buyout with the Phoenix Suns, joins Paul, Brook Lopez, and John Collins as the Clippers’ offseason additions.
Along with them, Los Angeles features star Kawhi Leonard, who hasn’t played in at least 70 regular-season games in over a decade but remains crucial for postseason success. Ivica Zubac, Nicolas Batum, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Kris Dunn have all proven themselves as valuable contributors, though each is at least 30 years old.
“They have officially become the nursing home for the NBA for the players that are on the back end of their career,” Kendrick Perkins said on NBA Today. “If we think this is about to move the needle for the Clippers as far as being a competitor, not just a title contender, but competing in a tough Western Conference, it’s not.”
Another layer of Paul’s return is his history with James Harden. The duo spent two seasons together with the Houston Rockets from 2017 to 2019, and they reportedly ended things on spotty ground. However, NBA insider Brian Windhorst said that Harden gave the ‘okay’ to the front office regarding the Paul addition.
“He and James Harden didn’t have the greatest relationship when they were in Houston a few years ago, but Harden is on board with this signing,” Windhorst said.
Paul will now head back to Los Angeles. During his first stint with the team, they were never able to make it past the second round of the playoffs. Now, with a deep veteran roster, they’re aiming for their first NBA title.
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