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New York Times
a day ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Chris Paul returns to familiar place with Clippers but in different role: ‘I'm still in it'
The LA Clippers presented point guard Chris Paul at Intuit Dome on Monday, one week after signing the 20-year NBA veteran to a minimum contract to rejoin the franchise he led from 2011 to 2017. Paul's family, based in LA since Paul was traded to the Clippers from New Orleans in December 2011, was in the front row. While the 40-year-old Paul could choose to end his career after this season, it is not something he is committing to now. Advertisement 'Please don't,' Paul joked when asked about possibly retiring. 'I'm just in it, to tell you the truth. I'm still in it. Day in and day out, enjoying it, right?… It's been really cool to be around my family and know that the countdown hasn't started for me to leave again. So I think that's what I'm most happy and thinking about right now.' Paul's family was the biggest reason for him returning to the Clippers after spending the previous eight seasons in Houston, Oklahoma City, Phoenix, Golden State and San Antonio. But Paul also said it was a 'no-brainer' for him to come back to the Clippers, regardless of what his role was going to be. Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank said Paul's role would be as a reserve point guard, and Paul is happy to accept it — even after starting all 82 games last season with the Spurs, becoming the first player in NBA history to do so in his 20th season. 'It's a lot of people who will try to tell your story for you,' Paul said. 'I was actually on vacation with my family, and you see all the stories (of) people saying, 'He'll only go here if he's starting' or if he is doing this. I think for me, the gratitude that I have for being able to play as long as I've had, I think the easiest decision in this is sitting right up here, right here with my family. It's getting a chance to be around them and be around a lot more. And get a chance to compete and play for a championship. 'My role on this team is obviously different than it's been the past 20 years being in the NBA. But showing up every day, if I can show some of the guys what it looks like every day to clock in and clock out, I'm excited for it,' Paul added. Paul thanked the Spurs for giving him the opportunity to play last season — particularly the Holt family, who own the team, CEO R.C. Buford, president and former head coach Gregg Popovich, head coach Mitch Johnson and Paul's teammates. 'Without this past year in San Antonio — if that doesn't happen, I don't have this opportunity to actually come back here and play this year,' Paul said Monday. 'So thank you so much to the Spurs and their organization.' Advertisement Paul mentioned that throughout the years, he 'wanted to get back and play here by any means necessary.' After the news conference, Paul was escorted to a homecoming event at the arena, where he was greeted by Clippers fans and season ticket holders. As he was introduced by broadcaster Brian Sieman, Paul was overcome with emotion. Chris Paul breaking down after @BSieman introduces him to the fans at Intuit Dome, something CP3 was not expecting — Law Murray 🎡 (@LawMurrayTheNU) July 28, 2025 'If you watch me, I play with a different type of chip on my shoulder and a passion,' Paul told the fans. 'But there's an emptiness that I was missing. And so I'm excited to really be back here and get a chance to play for the Clippers.' Paul's return to the Clippers is a full-circle moment for a franchise that never won 60 percent of its games in a season before his arrival — and now has the league's longest active streak of consecutive winning seasons, a run that began with his first in 2011-12. While Paul doesn't take credit for the Clippers becoming more of a destination franchise, he acknowledges that it is meaningful being on a team with Kawhi Leonard and former Rockets teammate James Harden, among other accomplished players. 'It's been a lot of guys here who've done a great job in shifting the culture and making it what it is now, and all the people here that played a role in this,' Paul said. 'I mean, you got to think about it: the colors are different. The logo is different. But a lot of the fans have remained the same. So I think that's what I'm most excited about, is getting here, getting a chance to play alongside Kawhi. Kawhi has been here with that culture change and all that. Bringing in James and all these different guys, so I'm excited.' Paul mentioned that this is the time for players to enjoy the offseason, and so his communication with his new teammates has been brief. He worked out with new Clippers guard Bradley Beal in Augusta, Ga., during EYBL Nike Peach Jam, which was won by Beal's team. Paul addressed his reunion with Harden after the two parted ways in 2019, when Paul was traded from the Rockets to the Thunder. Paul acknowledged clips that showed tension between the two when they were teammates during the 2018-19 season. Advertisement 'We talked about it and, you know, talked about just, you know, the history of obviously being there in Houston,' Paul said. 'And it's funny, man, because that clip or whatnot that goes around, it was a lot of stuff funnier and stuff like that than that. That was just sort of our relationship. You know, but I think that's what made that team so good. You know we got on each other in different situations. 'But that team, I can honestly say, it was one of the funnest teams I've ever been on in my career, and James is one of those guys that loves to be in the gym all day long. And so it's wild that you get this opportunity again after those two years and the success that we had, and we definitely know we had unfinished business. So we get a chance to see what's going on here.' As Paul enters next season, he realizes that much has changed, including his perspective and place in Clippers franchise history. He'll wear his number again, but much else has changed. And he appreciates what it means to play at Intuit Dome not as an opponent, but now as a representative of the organization. 'This isn't where we played, right?' Paul said. 'I've watched the building of this building. I watched, I think, the first preseason game that was played here. I've paid attention to all of this. You don't have any choice, right? All of us that really have memories and ties to this team, for most guys, I don't care where you go, if you've been with a team and you're that invested, you may go other places. But this will always be special to me.'
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bradley Beal signing with Clippers draws hyped responses from Tyronn Lue, Lawrence Frank
The post Bradley Beal signing with Clippers draws hyped responses from Tyronn Lue, Lawrence Frank appeared first on ClutchPoints. After clearing waivers on Friday afternoon, Bradley Beal officially signed with the Los Angeles Clippers. The team announced the signing via a press release with comments from President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank and head coach Tyronn Lue. The former three-time NBA All-Star now brings his talents to Los Angeles looking to jumpstart his career after a couple of rough seasons with the Phoenix Suns. Bradley Beal signing draws strong response from Lawrence Frank Bradley Beal officially cleared waivers on Friday and signed a deal with the LA Clippers. The contract is reportedly a two-year, $10.9 million deal worth the remainder of the Clippers midlevel exception after signing Brook Lopez to a two-year, $18 million deal. 'Brad is one of the most talented shooting guards in the NBA,' Clippers President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank said in a press release Friday. 'He is a two-way player and an accomplished three-level scorer who brings additional shooting, ball-handling and creation to the team. 'Brad had a lot of options this summer, for good reason, and we're honored he chose the Clippers. We look forward to providing him with all the support he needs to reach the high standards he's set throughout his decorated career.' Beal is a 13-year NBA veteran and former third overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft. The 32-year-old guard has career averages of 21.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.1 steals in 801 regular-season appearances. Bradley Beal struggled in his last two seasons after being traded to the Phoenix Suns in 2023. His boxscore numbers look solid with averages of 17.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.0 steals per game while shooting 50.5 percent from the field, 40.7 percent from three, and 80.8 percent from the free-throw line. But the three-time All-Star played just 106 of a possible 164 regular-season games was one of the poorest individual defenders in the league and was on a roster that was simply not fit to capitalize on his strengths while hiding his weaknesses. The Clippers, on the other hand, have all the tools necessary to help Bradley Beal on both ends of the floor. LA finished with the third best defensive rating in the NBA last season at 109.4 points per 100 possessions and the fifth best net rating in the league at +4.9 points per 100 possessions. With James Harden at the point-guard position, a fully healthy Kawhi Leonard expected to start training camp for the first time since he joined the Clippers, and the rise of star center Ivica Zubac, Bradley Beal should be a seamless fit into what the Clippers want to build in Los Angeles. That's not even factoring in some of the newest additions in John Collins and Brook Lopez in addition to some of the versatile role players on the team like Nicolas Batum, Kris Dunn, and Derrick Jones Jr. 'Players of this caliber are very rare, and they're hard to come by,' said head coach Tyronn Lue. 'Brad has been an All-Star. He's been in a race for the scoring title. 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. He's a great cutter. He's also a great playmaker who is going to make everybody else better. I'm excited he's with us.' The Clippers have everything necessary to rejuvenate Bradley Beal's career following a couple of rough seasons in Phoenix. Even his agent, Mark Bartelstein, recently said in an interview that Beal is hoping to sign a long-term deal with the Clippers in the summer of 2026. 'The hope is everything goes well with the Clippers, and the Clippers are a team that's going to have a lot of cap room this summer, and the goal is to sign a long-term deal with the Clippers this summer,' Mark Bartelstein said in an interview with Front Office Sports. 'That's the goal, but that player option is just there as a security blanket, a 'God-forbid' type of thing. And that's the purpose of it. 'What happens with player options is sometimes we deal with a salary cap in the NBA that is stringent at times It puts a lot of restrictions on what teams can do, and so if the team is getting a player for a below-market value deal because that's tone of the tools they have to pay that player. 'The player option will often come in place as an insurance policy to give the player something to fall back on if things don't go well, but the intention is certainly to opt out and get back into the market to reclaim your value, and that's what's going to happen with Brad. 'Brad doesn't like change. It's one of the reasons he stayed in Washington so long. The goal of this is to go to LA, have an awesome season, and then re-sign a long-term deal with the Clippers this summer.' This offseason, the Clippers have seen the departures of Norman Powell, Amir Coffey, Ben Simmons, Drew Eubanks, and Patty Mills. The additions to this team have been Brook Lopez, John Collins, and Bradley Beal, with league sources telling ClutchPoints that free-agent point guard Chris Paul is expected to be the next signing for the Clippers. Related: Where LA Clippers rank in Western Conference after Bradley Beal deal Related: Bradley Beal's plans for 2026 free agency after signing with Clippers
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Chris Paul being 'strongly considered' by Clippers as free agent option
The post Chris Paul being 'strongly considered' by Clippers as free agent option appeared first on ClutchPoints. Following the free agent signing of three-time NBA All-Star Bradley Beal, the Los Angeles Clippers have been in the market for a playmaker in the backup position. Now, the franchise appears poised to sign veteran free agent point guard Chris Paul. At least, that appears to be where everything is trending following comments from Clippers President of Basketball Operations, Lawrence Frank. Chris Paul being 'strongly considered' by Clippers as free agent option The LA Clippers held a virtual media availability on Saturday afternoon with Lawrence Frank to discuss the franchise's latest move: the signing of three-time NBA All-Star Bradley Beal. In addition to the Beal signing, Frank was also asked about free agent point guard Chris Paul. Over the last several weeks, ClutchPoints has been reported on the mutual interest between Paul and the Clippers on a reunion, but nothing has been publicly agreed upon after the first 19 days of free agency. 'What I'd say about Chris is he's a great player and he's a great Clipper,' Lawrence Frank told members of the media over the conference call. 'He obviously possesses some of the qualities we just referenced. Of course, we're strongly strongly considering him.' Chris Paul spent six seasons of his NBA career with the LA Clippers, from 2011 to 2017. As a Clipper, Paul was named an NBA All-Star five times. Across those six seasons where played 409 regular season games, Paul averaged 18.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 9.8 assists, and 2.2 steals per game while shooting 47.5 percent from the field and 37.8 percent from three. The 12-time NBA All-Star made the surprising decision last season to join Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs last season, passing on other opportunities at an NBA championship in order to start for San Antonio, earn a decent amount, and help the up-and-coming Spurs franchise. 'I think we'll continue to look to reinforce our playmaking and ball handling,' Frank added of what the Clippers are looking for in one of their final two roster spots. 'Going into the offseason, it was about front-court size, versatility, diversity, and adding to our shooting and playmaking. I think we'll lean into the ball-handling and play making.' If he does decide to return to Los Angeles, Chris Paul would join forces with a couple of familiar names. Paul and James Harden spend two seasons together with the Houston Rockets from 2017-2019. Head coach Tyronn Lue was also an assistant coach on the Clippers staff during the 2013-14 season when Paul was the team's starting point guard. Over his 20-year NBA career that includes 1,354 regular season appearances, Chris Paul has averaged 17 points, 4.4 rebounds, 9.2 assists, and 2.0 steals while shooting 47 percent from the field, 37 percent from three, and 87.1 percent from the free throw line. In 149 playoff appearances, Paul boasts averages of 20 points, 4.9 rebounds, 8.3 assists, and 1.9 steals per game while shooting 48.4 percent from the field, 37.3 percent from three, and 85.4 percent from the free throw line. Related: Bradley Beal signing with Clippers draws hyped responses from Tyronn Lue, Lawrence Frank Related: Where LA Clippers rank in Western Conference after Bradley Beal deal
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Chris Paul is a 'natural fit' for Clippers as reserve point guard
Chris Paul spent six seasons with the Clippers and was a part of their "Lob City" era. (Carrie Giordano / Associated Press) The Clippers had a need for a playmaker and ballhandler, and they were able to find that 'natural fit' with Chris Paul. Paul spent six seasons with the Clippers, a time when he had plenty of success leading them to relevancy and now he's back to play his 21st season, which might be his last. Advertisement Paul, 40, a 12-time All-Star, agreed to a contract that will pay him $3.6 million next season. 'Chris was a natural fit,' Lawrence Frank, the Clippers' president of basketball operations, said over Zoom on Tuesday. 'His roots with the organization are deep and meaningful. He obviously played a tremendous role in the upward trajectory of the franchise. He wanted to return to the Clippers and we wanted it the same, as long as it made sense with our current roster — and it does.' Paul has spent his entire 20-year career as a starter in the NBA, playing in all 82 games last season with the San Antonio Spurs. He averaged 8.8 points, 3.6 rebounds and 7.4 assists in 28 minutes per game while shooting 42.7% from the field. Over the course of playing in 1,354 regular-season games, Paul has started in 1,314. Advertisement Read more: Clippers to land Bradley Beal after Suns buy out his contract Frank said Paul will 'slot into our roster as a reserve point guard,' a role the two of them discussed. 'So, we don't take that lightly when you're taking on a different role,' Frank said. 'And so there were a lot of conversations. You put everything on the table and get everyone comfortable with it. But the fact that Chris wanted to come back, wanted to be at home, wanted to be with the Clippers, we obviously know what his skill set is, but we also wanted to make sure the role made perfect sense from both people's perspective. 'And so I thought it was a very, very thorough process in terms of how we went about it, just to make sure that everyone knows exactly what we're signing up for and we feel really, really good about it.' Advertisement Playing time also could be tricky at the guard spot with Paul now on board. James Harden, who averaged 35.3 minutes per game last season, and Bradley Beal are the likely starters in the backcourt for Clippers coach Tyronn Lue. Then there is Kris Dunn, Bogdan Bogdanovic and Paul who could be in the rotation. 'We know that ballhandling was a little bit of an issue for us last year and we wanted to get … Chris was the best guy for the job as long as everyone understood exactly what the role was and we can all embrace it,' Frank said. 'And so, we've been very, very honest and direct and we feel great that Chris is back.' Frank said Harden played a big role in the team acquiring Beal. Frank was asked if Harden talked to Paul about returning to the Clippers. Harden and Paul played two seasons together in Houston, from 2017 to 2019, and there were reports that their relationship was strained. Advertisement Frank said, 'They did.' when asked if Harden and Paul had talked. 'And when talking to James, talking to Kawhi [Leonard] — and we talked about what the role would be — both guys said CP would be the best guy for this role,' Frank said. Paul and Beal have both worn No. 3 their entire careers. But Frank said Beal will let Paul wear No. 3 and decide later what his new number will be. 'So, it's awesome that Brad made such a great gesture like that,' Frank said. 'And so Chris will be No. 3.' During his six seasons with the Clippers, from 2011 until 2017, Paul helped the franchise reach new heights. He joined Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan to form 'Lob City.' Advertisement But it sounds as if this will be Paul's last season in the NBA and it'll be with the Clippers and it'll allow him to play in front of his family that lives in the Los Angeles area. 'Well, I think there's the nostalgic aspect,' Frank said. 'But I think the No. 1 question that we always say, is how can he help impact winning? … And yeah, look, there's the heartstrings part of it, of someone who was such a significant part of the Clippers' rise to be able to bring it back. Whether this is his last year or not, that's obviously Chris' story in terms of what he feels and what he wants. But I think No. 1 is his ability to help impact winning.' Get the best, most interesting and strangest stories of the day from the L.A. sports scene and beyond from our newsletter The Sports Report. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
National Post
22-07-2025
- Sport
- National Post
Paul returns to Clippers for what's expected to be his final NBA season
LOS ANGELES — Chris Paul is rejoining the Los Angeles Clippers for what's expected to be the point guard's 21st and final NBA season. Article content The team confirmed Monday afternoon that Paul had signed. He led the Clippers to the playoffs in each of his six seasons in Los Angeles. Article content Article content 'Chris is one of the most impactful players ever to wear a Clippers uniform and it's appropriate that he returns to the team for this chapter of his career,' Lawrence Frank, president of basketball operations, said in a statement. Article content Paul, a 12-time all-star, was a free agent after playing all 82 games for the San Antonio Spurs last season, becoming the first NBA player to do so in his 20th season or later. He averaged 8.8 points and 7.4 assists while shooting 43% from the floor. Article content Paul had stated that he wanted to play the upcoming season close to his family, which lives in Los Angeles. Article content He joins a veteran roster that includes new additions in guard Bradley Beal, forward John Collins and centre Brook Lopez, as well as Kawhi Leonard, James Harden and Bogdan Bogdanovic. Article content 'Chris will help fortify our backcourt with his exceptional ballhandling, playmaking and shooting,' Frank said Monday. Article content Paul, who began his career in New Orleans, played six seasons for the Clippers during their 'Lob City' era with Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan. He made five all-star teams from 2012 to 2017 and his 4,023 assists are still the most in franchise history. He averaged 18.8 points, 9.8 assists, 4.2 rebounds and 2.2 steals in 409 games. Article content Paul left the Clippers for the Houston Rockets in 2017 because he felt it was time for a change and he wanted to compete for a championship with Harden. Paul spent two seasons in Houston before going to Oklahoma City for one season. He then spent three years with Phoenix and one with Golden State before joining the Spurs last season, who finished 13th in the Western Conference at 34-48. Article content Article content Frank had said Saturday that the team was 'strongly considering' signing Paul to join a crowded guard rotation of Harden, Beal, Bogdanovic and Kris Dunn. Article content Paul will come off the bench. Article content 'He is joining us as a reserve point guard and is excited to fill whatever role (coach) Tyronn Lue asks him to play,' Frank said. 'He wants to be part of the group and we're fortunate to have him back.' Article content The Clippers want to preserve Harden, who played nearly 2,800 minutes last season at age 35 in his 16th NBA season. They view Paul as insurance against injuries that typically impact a roster during an 82-game season, plus the playoffs. Article content
