Chris Paul Expected To Sign With Clippers, Retire From NBA After Next Season

Chris Paul is expected to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers, according to Joey Linn of SI. 

Linn also reports that Paul is expected to retire from the NBA after next season. 

“Amid several reports linking Paul to a Clippers reunion, the sense around Summer League this past week was that his return to LA is inevitable,” Linn wrote. “While in Las Vegas, I spoke with sources close to Paul and his former franchise who indicated strong belief that his final season will be played for the Clippers.”

Paul played for the Clippers from 2011-12 to 2016-17. LAC star James Harden and Paul were teammates on the Houston Rockets from 2017-18 to 2018-19. 

“This past week I received a collection of answers when inquiring about this with sources familiar with the thinking of both Lawrence Frank and Ty Lue,” Linn wrote. “To summarize, four major themes emerged on why the Clippers believe Paul holds real on-court value despite what looks to be a crowded rotation: James Harden preservation, second unit creation, lineup optionality and overall insurance.”

A future Hall of Famer, Paul played in all 82 games for the San Antonio Spurs last season. He averaged 8.8 points, 3.6 rebounds and 7.4 assists while shooting 42.7% from the field, 37.7% from 3 and 92.4% from the free-throw line. 

One of the best point guards in NBA history, Paul has career averages of 17.0 points, 4.4 rebounds and 9.2 assists with the New Orleans Hornets, Clippers, Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors and Spurs.

Paul is second in NBA history in assists.