Los Angeles Clippers Reacquire Star Chris Paul

Veteran star Chris Paul is set to return to his former team, the Los Angeles Clippers of the NBA, on a one-year deal, according to various media reports.

Both The Athletic and ESPN confirmed that the 40-year-old, a 12-time NBA All-Star, has agreed to the terms of a return to the team he previously played for between 2011 and 2017. This will mark his 21st season in the league.

Undoubtedly, Paul — who will earn $3.6 million under this deal — prioritized his family when making the decision, as he will now be able to stay close to them in Los Angeles. This move may also represent his final opportunity to win an NBA title, which has eluded him throughout his professional career.

The Clippers have already bolstered their roster this offseason by adding center Bradley Beal from the Phoenix Suns and Brook Lopez from the Milwaukee Bucks, giving them a stronger (at least on paper) lineup compared to last season, which already features star guard James Harden and scoring leader Kawhi Leonard.

The Clippers have only advanced past the first round of the playoffs twice in the last ten seasons and reached the Western Conference Finals for the first time in franchise history in 2021, where they lost to Phoenix.

Paul ranks second all-time in NBA history in both assists and steals, after spending two decades with the New Orleans Pelicans, Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs, and Clippers.

He has led the league in assists five times and in steals six times and was a key part of Team USA’s gold medal wins at the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Olympic Games.

Last season with San Antonio, Paul averaged 8.8 points, 7.4 assists, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game. Over his career, his averages stand at 17 points, 9.2 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 2 steals per game.

Paul has revealed that the upcoming season — his 21st — will be his final year as a professional NBA player. He is expected to take on a supporting role as a playmaker, utilizing his vast experience to contribute within a roster filled with seasoned stars like Leonard, Harden, and Beal. He was specifically brought in to deepen the bench and elevate the team’s offensive efficiency.

Following his signing with the Clippers, Paul expressed his gratitude for his time with the San Antonio Spurs, thanking the coaches and teammates, and affirming his deep appreciation for the team and its fans.

As Chris Paul prepares for his final NBA season with the Clippers, fans in Oman are turning to Betway, the most trusted platform for live odds and expert basketball insights.