Chris Paul Returns to the Clippers: An Expected Reunion
Eight years after his last participation with the Clippers franchise and four years after reaching the NBA Finals, Chris Paul has once again worn the LA Clippers uniform. After posing for photos with his iconic number 3, now with a renewed design and more vibrant colors, Paul reunited with the fans at a special event at the Intuit Dome. Nearly a thousand fans gathered to celebrate his return.Before being greeted with the chants “C-P-3!”, the 40-year-old player revealed to reporters his motivation for returning. Not only did he want to play for the team where he was a five-time All-Star and historical leader in assists, but also to be closer to his family: his wife, Jada; his son, Chris Jr.; and his daughter, Camryn, who remained in Los Angeles while he played in five other cities since 2017.
Paul commented that his departure from the team almost a decade ago “wasn’t the easiest,” but maintained dialogue with owner Steve Ballmer through his former role as president of the players’ union. Last summer, before the opening of the Intuit Dome, Paul contacted Ballmer, who offered him a personal tour of the new facilities. A little over a week ago, Paul agreed to a veteran minimum contract of $3.6 million to play his 21st season in Los Angeles.It was an obvious decision. Honestly, I wanted to come back and play here by any means necessary.
Chris Paul
Although he didn’t commit to the 2025-26 season being his farewell, “I’m approaching [the season] with a lot of excitement, not necessarily thinking about what’s next,” Paul told the fans, “I’m just trying to enjoy the moment.” He made it clear how comfortable he feels with the group he’s joining.
Clippers coach Tyronn Lue was his assistant. Clippers star James Harden was his teammate on the court in Houston. Bradley Beal, for whom Paul was traded in Phoenix, has a long connection with Paul through their time as Jordan Brand athletes. Paul expressed his enthusiasm for the team’s moves in the offseason, including the arrival of Beal and Brook Lopez, in addition to the young talents. He also shared his conversations with James and Kawhi Leonard, which increases his excitement for what they can achieve together.
Paul ranks second in assists and steals on the NBA’s all-time list, surpassed only by John Stockton in both categories. He is number 36 in scoring with 23,011 points. The only thing missing from his resume is a championship. He came close in 2021 with the Suns, beating the Clippers in six games in the conference finals before losing to the Milwaukee Bucks in the Finals. Paul and Harden also reached Game 7 of the conference finals in 2018 before losing to the Golden State Warriors. When addressing the fans, Paul stated that he enjoys being on a competitive team with chances of success. “You who have seen me play for a long time, I will try to do better and smile a little more this year,” Paul said. “I am grateful. I will go out every night, no matter what, and I will try to give it my all for the team.”My role on this team is obviously different from the one I’ve had in the last 20 years, but if I can show some of the guys what it’s like to work every day, I’m excited.
Chris Paul
