Clippers' Lawrence Frank Directly Addresses Chris Paul Rumors

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. 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.

In these same conversations, I sought to uncover what the expectation should be for his role on the team — and why both sides feel comfortable in a reunion given the Clippers’ current roster construction.

When it was reported earlier this month by Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press that Paul still wants to be a starter, many felt that eliminated the Clippers as a potential destination. And understandably so. Even before signing Beal, the Clippers had James Harden locked into the starting point guard spot and no reasonable pathway to fitting Paul alongside him in the first five.

However, while Paul still believes he is starter-caliber after starting all 82 games for the San Antonio Spurs last season, multiple sources have expressed doubt that such a desire would be a dealbreaker in an otherwise great fit for him with the Clippers.

In the same interview with Jemele Hill when he announced this upcoming season would be his last in the NBA, Paul reiterated his desire to play close to Los Angeles where his family still lives. The Clippers would give him the opportunity to do that while being on a team that should win a lot of games.