Chris Paul's Clippers Comeback: A Reunion with Championship Hopes
Chris Paul is heading back to Los Angeles, but this time it’s not about highlight dunks or alley-oops. The 40-year-old point guard has inked a one-year veteran minimum contract to rejoin the Clippers, stepping into what might be the last chapter of his long and storied NBA journey. Paul isn’t returning as the star centerpiece he once was, but rather as a battle-tested veteran hoping to help push the Clippers over the top and finally snag the one thing that’s eluded his Hall-of-Fame career: an NBA championship.
This move isn’t just about basketball for Paul. After a year in San Antonio, he made it clear he wanted to be closer to his Los Angeles-based family. While teams like the Bucks, Hornets, and Mavericks reportedly made strong offers, Paul turned them all down—not just for convenience, but for the best shot at winning. He’s coming back to a franchise where his fingerprints are all over the record books, from assists (he’s still the franchise leader) to All-NBA nods.
A Rebuilt Clippers Roster and a New Role for Paul
The Clippers aren’t standing still, either. After a rough postseason exit, they’ve gone all-in on experience with the additions of Bradley Beal, John Collins, and Brook Lopez. Instead of leading the team as he did in the past, Paul will slot in behind James Harden, Kris Dunn, and Bogdan Bogdanovic, anchoring a guard rotation loaded with playmakers. Clippers president Lawrence Frank didn’t hold back his excitement, calling Paul “one of the most impactful players ever to wear a Clippers uniform.”
This reunited core has some serious experience, and the focus is clear: flexibility and depth. The front office is keeping options open for future moves, but for now, Paul’s role centers on being a second-unit stabilizer and trusted voice in the locker room. Even at age 40, his court vision and passing can shape games in short bursts, and his guidance could go a long way with younger teammates.
Last season, Paul played all 82 games for the Spurs—a rarity at his age—and put up 8.8 points and 7.4 assists per game. Don’t expect him to chase stats this year. Instead, watch for Paul to orchestrate the offense, keep mistakes down, and step in as a calming force when things get hectic. With a loaded Western Conference and the Clippers’ own history of playoff heartbreaks, every bit of savvy will help.
Paul’s Los Angeles return is a full-circle moment: from leading Lob City highlights to offering wisdom and one last shot at the elusive title. If there’s a fairytale ending to be had, he’s back in the place where it just might happen.
