Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images

Chris Paul’s Sacrifice For Clippers Bigger Than Expected

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Frederick Okocha | Last updated Jul 22, 2025 11:46 AM ET

LOS ANGELES – The Clippers just wrapped up another A+ summer despite having almost no draft equity to swing big moves. James Harden’s pay cut opened the door for them to use their full non-taxpayer mid-level exception to bring in Brook Lopez and Bradley Beal. They also traded for John Collins to bolster the Clippers’ frontcourt. But the move raising eyebrows is Chris Paul’s return, which comes with a sacrifice that’s much bigger than people think.

Chris Paul’s Sacrifice For Clippers Bigger Than Expected

Chris Paul Sacrifice: Nights On The Bench

Brian Windhorst of ESPN broke it down. “From what I understand he’s not going to have guaranteed playing time,” Windhorst said. “There are going to be nights where James Harden and his backup Kris Dunn get the minutes at point guard. Chris Paul might not play at all which we have never seen from him before.”

There are going to be nights when Chris Paul doesn’t play at all, per @WindhorstESPN

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— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 22, 2025

That hits hard for fans who remember Paul as a perennial starter. Chris Paul’s sacrifice means he’ll sit entire games if the Clippers don’t need him. He started all 82 games last season. Now he’s prepared for a new reality.

Why The Clippers Need This Move

Feb 13, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; LA Clippers guard James Harden (1) reacts to a call along with guard Kris Dunn (8) against the Utah Jazz during the first half at the Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Creveling-Imagn Images

Look at the Clippers’ point guard depth. They want Harden fresh for a deep playoff push. Harden earned third-team All-NBA last year and has stayed durable his whole career. But he turns 36 this season. That’s where Paul fits into the Clipper puzzle. Paul’s presence lets Ty Lue manage Harden’s minutes without losing leadership at the position.

Kris Dunn gives them elite perimeter defense. This roster hung its hat on defense last season. Dunn fits that identity more than a 40-year-old Paul does over 82 games.

Family, Fit And The Final Ride

Paul made it clear he wanted to be near family in LA. That limited him to the Clippers or Lakers. So Paul accepted this sacrifice for one last shot at a ring where it all started. He knew his role would shrink. He agreed to it up front with the front office, so there’s no confusion in the locker room.

Windhorst added, “He understood that. He understands that he is going to be in that spot that he hasn’t. He wants to be on a competitive team in the market that he wants to play in near his family.”

A Fresh Chris Paul For Playoff Time

If this plan works, the Clippers will unleash a fresh Paul in May. Imagine 15 clean minutes from a rested future Hall of Famer off the bench. That could swing a series. Chris Paul’s sacrifice might just be the missing piece to finally lift that elusive Larry O’Brien Trophy.

For Paul, there’s no better way to close his legendary career than giving up the spotlight for one more shot at basketball’s biggest prize.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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