Chris Paul’s basketball journey has taken him across the country, but family always calls you home. The 40-year-old point guard just signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Clippers, returning to where his championship dreams once lived. This reunion comes just hours after team president Lawrence Frank hinted at this possibility, making speculation reality for the organization’s most beloved floor general.
What Did Lawrence Frank Reveal About Chris Paul’s Return?
Just hours before the signing became official, Clippers President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank dropped a major hint during an interview with reporters. Frank revealed that the organization was “strongly considering” signing the 12-time All-Star.
“What I’d say about Chris is he’s a great player, he’s a great Clipper,” Frank said as per Tomer Azarly on X. “He obviously possesses some of the qualities we just referenced about. Of course, we’re strongly, strongly considering him.”
Clippers President Lawrence Frank jumped at @LawMurrayTheNU mistakenly asking if the Clippers plan to sign Bradley Beal (he meant to say Chris Paul) 😂
LF then adds: “What I’d say about Chris is he’s a great player, he’s a great Clipper. He obviously possesses some of the… pic.twitter.com/tyVwlReh0H
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) July 19, 2025
Frank’s words proved prophetic. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Paul agreed to a one-year $3.6 million deal with the Clippers, bringing the veteran back to Los Angeles.
How Did the Paul-to-Clippers Rumors Begin?
When the offseason started, retirement whispers followed Paul everywhere. At 40, with his role diminishing across multiple teams, many wondered if he’d hang up his sneakers. However, those retirement whispers were silenced when Paul sat down for a candid interview with Jemele Hill.
During that conversation, Paul confirmed that the 2025-26 campaign would be his final season in the NBA. But that announcement didn’t close one chapter so much as it opened a new one. Paul also expressed his desire to play closer to Los Angeles, where his family still resides.
“My wife and my kids are in L.A.,” Paul said during the interview. “I mean, I say this just about every time I talk, but the past six seasons I’ve played in, where I was in Oklahoma first, then Phoenix for three years, Golden State for a year, and then San Antonio last year, my wife and my kids have been in L.A. all six of those years. So that’s tough. I love to play basketball, but I love my kids and my family more.”
In the same interview where Chris Paul revealed this will be his last NBA season, he reiterated staying close to LA is a priority.
“My wife and my kids are in LA… I love to play basketball, but I love my kids and my family more. That is gonna weigh a huge part on my decision on… pic.twitter.com/UaSOzPNtRc
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) July 6, 2025
Following Paul’s family-focused comments, fans and insiders began speculating about a storybook return to the Clippers. This is the team where Paul spent six memorable seasons and helped lead the iconic “Lob City” era. That speculation has now become reality.
What Can Chris Paul Bring to This Clippers Team?
Paul’s history with Los Angeles runs deep. The Clippers acquired him in 2011 from the then-New Orleans Hornets (now Pelicans). From 2011 to 2017, he averaged 18.8 points, 9.8 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game in 409 regular-season appearances.
His shooting percentages of 47.5% from the field and 37.8% from deep during those years showed his efficiency. Paul earned five All-Star selections during that span with the Clippers.
More recently, Paul suited up for the San Antonio Spurs in 2024-25 and averaged 8.8 points, 7.4 assists, and 3.6 rebounds. Despite his contributions, the Spurs struggled and finished 34-48, missing the playoffs entirely.
Now with the Clippers, his leadership experience becomes invaluable. Paul’s ability to manage the floor and his 37.3% three-point shooting rate in the playoffs should fit seamlessly into a Kawhi Leonard-led squad that has often struggled with late-game execution, especially during Leonard’s injury absences.
Who Else Have the Clippers Added This Offseason?
Paul isn’t the only notable addition for Los Angeles this offseason. The Clippers also acquired Bradley Beal from the Phoenix Suns. Beal signed a two-year, $11 million contract with a player option for the 2026-27 season.
“Players of this caliber are very rare, and they’re hard to come by,” said Clippers coach Tyronn Lue. “He’s been the best player on his team. You can put him in so many different spots and he’ll find ways to score: out of pick-and-roll, coming off screens, catch-and-shoot.”
“He can create his own, or he can play off the ball,” Lue continued. “He’s a great cutter. He’s also a great playmaker who is going to make everybody else better.”
Beyond Beal, the team acquired John Collins in a three-team trade involving the Utah Jazz. They also signed veteran center Brook Lopez from Milwaukee on a two-year deal worth $18 million.
With their experience, these additions are expected to play key roles in strengthening the Clippers’ depth and elevating their championship aspirations for the 2025-26 season.
