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Chris Paul is making his way back to Los Angeles, as announced by the team on Monday.
The 40-year-old guard and 12-time All-Star has reportedly finalized a one-year contract worth $3.6 million with the LA Clippers. Paul previously played for the franchise for six seasons from 2011 to 2017, leading them to playoff appearances each year.
“Chris is among the most significant players to ever don a Clippers jersey, so it’s fitting that he comes back for this next phase of his career,” stated Lawrence Frank, the team’s president of basketball operations. “His outstanding skills in ball handling, playmaking, and shooting will greatly enhance our backcourt.”
Welcome back, Chris Paul ❤️ pic.twitter.com/hvE5n8nmBY
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) July 21, 2025
After a full season where he participated in all 82 games with the San Antonio Spurs, Paul entered the free agency market. He became the first player in NBA history to achieve this feat in his 20th season or later, averaging 8.8 points and 7.4 assists while shooting 43% from the field.
The 6-foot point guard expressed a desire to play next season near his family, who resides in Los Angeles. He will be joining an experienced roster that includes recent additions like guard Bradley Beal, forward John Collins, and center Brook Lopez, alongside established stars like Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, and Bogdan Bogdanovic.
During his six seasons with the Clippers, Paul was part of the “Lob City” era, teaming up with Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan. He earned five All-Star selections between 2012 and 2017 and still holds the franchise record with 4,023 assists. Throughout 409 games in Los Angeles, he averaged 18.8 points, 9.8 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.2 steals.
Currently ranked second all-time in both assists and steals, Paul has played for the Rockets, Thunder, Suns, Warriors, and Spurs over the past eight seasons.
In 2017, Paul departed from the Clippers to join the Houston Rockets, seeking a change and the opportunity to compete for a championship alongside Harden. He played two seasons in Houston, followed by one year in Oklahoma City. After three seasons with Phoenix and a single season with Golden State, he joined the Spurs last season, who finished 13th in the Western Conference with a 34-48 record.
The Clippers concluded the season in fifth place with a 50-32 record, only to be eliminated by Denver in a seven-game series during the first round.
Frank mentioned on Saturday that the team was “strongly considering” bringing Paul on board to bolster a crowded guard lineup featuring Harden, Beal, Bogdanovic, and Kris Dunn.
Paul is expected to serve as a reserve.
“He’s joining us as a backup point guard and is enthusiastic about fulfilling whatever role coach Tyronn Lue assigns him,” said Frank. “He is eager to contribute to the team, and we’re fortunate to have him back.”
The Clippers aim to manage Harden’s minutes, who played almost 2,800 last season at 35 years old during his 16th year in the NBA. They see Paul as a valuable safety net against the injuries that often affect rosters throughout the lengthy 82-game season and into the playoffs.
“Understanding one’s role, especially in this next roster situation, is going to be crucial,” Frank commented.
