Chris Paul is back in the LA Clippers uniform.
In a full-circle moment, Paul returns to the franchise where he became a five-time All-Star, the Clippers’ all-time assists leader, and played a pivotal role in the most successful period in team history—the "Lob City" era alongside former top pick Blake Griffin.
“It was a no-brainer. If I’m really honest, I wanted to get back and play here by any means necessary,” Paul spoke in a press conference held in an event space inside LA’s Intuit Dome.
“I wanted to get back and play here, by any means necessary.”@CP3 had his sights set on a return to LA since his trip to the Finals in 2021.
— NBA (@NBA) July 28, 2025
The veteran point guard signed with the Clippers on a one-year, $3.6 million deal. He added that the decision to return was also driven by the desire to be closer to his family—his wife Jada, son Chris Jr., and daughter Camryn.
[ALSO READ: One final hurrah: Chris Paul returns to LA Clippers for likely farewell season]
Following his departure from the Clippers in 2017, Paul’s journey took him to five different teams, where he achieved significant success.
Notably, Chris Paul helped lead the Phoenix Suns to the NBA Finals in 2021 and, alongside James Harden, guided the Houston Rockets to the Western Conference Finals, where they nearly toppled the Kevin Durant- and Steph Curry-led Golden State Warriors.
That very Finals run saw the Suns eliminate the Clippers in the Western Conference Finals.
“Obviously, that was the first time I made it to the NBA Finals,” Paul reflected. “All the emotions that night came from it being my first time going to the Finals and doing it here in LA against my extended family.”
Now, the no. 2 all-time assists leader is reunited with Harden and Bradley Beal, whom he was traded for while with the Phoenix Suns and Beal was with the Washington Wizards.
Head coach Tyronn Lue, who was an assistant coach during Paul’s earlier days with the Clippers under Doc Rivers, also brings familiarity to his return.
“I’m just so excited about the moves the team has made this offseason—Brad coming to the team, Brook Lopez, all the young guys,” the 12-time All-Star said.
He added, “I talked to James, I talked to Kawhi [Leonard], and I’m even more excited about what we have a chance to do. I’m approaching [the season] with a lot of excitement.”
Last season, Paul played all 82 games for the San Antonio Spurs, posting averages of 8.8 points, 7.4 assists, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.3 steals.
However, with a deep Clippers roster loaded with guards—including Harden, Beal, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Kris Dunn—Paul is likely to have a reduced role this season. Still, he is ready to embrace whatever the team needs.
“My role on this team is obviously different than it’s been the past 20 years in the NBA,” Paul acknowledged.
“But showing up every day and setting an example for the guys—if I can show them what it looks like to clock in and clock out—I’m excited for it.”
Addressing the fans, Paul expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to compete for a title with the Clippers.
“To all of you who have seen me play for a while, I’m going to try to do better and smile a little bit more this year. I’m grateful. I’m going to come out every single night, whatever that looks like, and make sure I show up for the team,” Paul bared.
All the feels 🥹??
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) July 28, 2025
Chris Paul is HOME with #ClipperNation!
