Chris Paul returns to Los Angeles Clippers for 21st NBA season and one last ride

Chris Paul is returning to the Los Angeles Clippers for what is expected to be his 21st and final NBA season, the team confirmed on Monday. Paul, a 12-time All-Star, played all 82 games last season for the San Antonio Spurs - becoming the first player to do so in his 20th season or later.

Paul averaged 8.8 points and 7.4 assists on 43% shooting. The 40-year-old guard agreed on a one-year deal which is reportedly worth $3.6 million.

Paul, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2005 NBA Draft by the then-New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets, earned Rookie of the Year honors for the 2005–06 season.


Wanting to be closer to family in Los Angeles, Paul now rejoins a deep Clippers roster featuring stars like Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, and new additions Bradley Beal, John Collins, Brook Lopez, and Bogdan Bogdanovic.

Paul previously spent six seasons with the Clippers (2011–2017) during their 'Lob City' era, becoming the franchise’s all-time assist leader with 4,023.


After departing LA in 2017 for Houston to team up with Harden in pursuit of a title, Paul had stints with Oklahoma City, Phoenix, Golden State, and San Antonio.

The Spurs finished 13th in the West last season, while the Clippers went 50–32 before falling to Denver in a tough seven-game first-round playoff series.

Clippers president Lawrence Frank acknowledged the team has '10 quality rotation players” and typically plays nine. Paul is expected to come off the bench and provide leadership, depth, and injury insurance.

Frank emphasized the importance of role clarity, especially for veterans joining an already crowded guard rotation, and said Paul understands and accepts a reserve role as t'e team looks to manage minutes and preserve players for the postseason.