After being away from the Clippers for eight years and four years since he last reached the NBA Finals by beating them, Chris Paul returned to the LA Clippers on Monday.
He took photos in his familiar No. 3 jersey, which now features a new font and brighter colors compared to his first six seasons with the team. Following a news conference where he was reintroduced, nearly a thousand fans filled an event space at Intuit Dome to celebrate his comeback.
As the crowd cheered with “C-P-3!” chants, the 40-year-old Paul shared with reporters why he chose to come back. His return wasn’t just about playing for the team where he became a five-time All-Star and the all-time assists leader; it was also about being closer to his wife, Jada, and their kids, Chris Jr. and Camryn, who remained in Los Angeles while he played in five other cities after being traded to the Houston Rockets in 2017.
“It was an easy decision,” Paul explained. “If I’m being honest, I wanted to come back and play here no matter what.”
Paul mentioned that his departure from the team nearly ten years ago “wasn’t the prettiest thing,” but he maintained communication with owner Steve Ballmer through his previous position as president of the players’ union. Last summer, before the Intuit Dome opened for its first NBA season, Paul contacted Ballmer, who gave him a personal tour of the new facility.
A little over a week ago, Paul signed a one-year deal worth $3.6 million at the veterans minimum to play his 21st season in Los Angeles.
While the future Hall of Fame point guard didn’t say that 2025-26 would be his last season — “I am approaching [the season] with a lot of excitement, not necessarily what’s next,” he shared on stage in front of fans, “I’m just trying to be in it” — he clearly expressed how comfortable he feels with his new teammates.
Clippers coach Tyronn Lue was previously his assistant coach. Clippers star James Harden used to play alongside him in Houston. Bradley Beal, who was traded for Paul when he was in Phoenix and Beal was in Washington, has a long connection with Paul from their time as Jordan Brand athletes.
“I’m really excited about the moves that the team has made this offseason,” Paul stated. “Brad coming to the team, Brook Lopez, all the young guys. I talked to James, I talked to Kawhi [Leonard], and I’m even more thrilled about what I believe we can achieve.”
In his 20th season, Paul played all 82 games for the San Antonio Spurs during the 2024-25 season, marking a first in his career. He averaged 8.8 points while shooting 42.7% from the field and 37.7% from three-point range, along with 7.4 assists, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.3 steals.
With a strong Clippers team filled with guards like Harden, Beal, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Kris Dunn, he probably won’t need to take on a big role. Paul mentioned that he’s ready to do whatever is needed to support the team.
“My role on this team is definitely different than it has been over the past 20 years in the NBA,” Paul said. “But I’m excited to show up every day and teach some of the guys what it means to work hard consistently.”
Paul is ranked second in both assists and steals on the NBA’s all-time list, only behind John Stockton in those stats. He stands at number 36 in scoring with a total of 23,011 points.
“It was an easy decision for me. Honestly, I wanted to return and play here no matter what,” Chris Paul shared.
The only thing he hasn’t achieved yet is winning a championship. He came close in 2021 when he led the Suns past the Clippers in six games during the conference finals but lost to the Milwaukee Bucks in six games in the Finals. Together with Harden, he also reached Game 7 of the conference finals in 2018 before falling short against the Golden State Warriors.
When speaking to fans, Paul expressed how much he enjoys being part of a competitive team with real chances of success.
“To everyone who has watched me play for some time, I want to improve and smile a bit more this year,” Paul stated. “I feel thankful. I will show up every night, no matter what it takes, and make sure I support the team.”
