It appears Chris Paul was told outright that his role on the LA Clippers would be one he didn’t initially want to accept.
For President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank and the LA Clippers, this has been an incredibly successful offseason.
The re-signing of James Harden was a huge priority for the Clippers. After successfully locking down the beard, the front office got to work on making additions.
The Clippers landed Brook Lopez to be their backup center behind Ivica Zubac. And when fans least expected it, they pulled the trigger on a major move.
John Collins joined the LA Clippers as part of a three-team trade, as they sent Norman Powell to the Miami Heat.
After the Clippers signed Bradley Beal to be their shooting guard, they went and sought out a reunion. The Clippers added Chris Paul to their roster. But they did lay down some conditions for the veteran guard.
The LA Clippers made it very clear to Chris Paul that he isn’t going to be their starting point guard. According to Brian Windhorst, the Clippers will bring Paul off the bench.
The franchise explained to Paul that he is behind James Harden and Kris Dunn in the rotations, and there may be nights he doesn’t feature for them.
“From what I understand, he’s not gonna have guaranteed playing time. There are going to be nights where James Harden and their backup Kris Dunn get the minutes at point guard.
“Chris Paul might not play at all, which is something you’ve never seen from him before. He has understood that. He is going to be in that spot, and he wants to be on a competitive team in the market he wants to play in, near his family.”
But it wasn’t just Chris Paul who the Clippers had to get on board. As it turns out, another star player had to agree to the Point God’s return.
Windy:
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) July 22, 2025
"From what I understand he's not gonna have guaranteed playing time. There are going to be nights where James Harden and their backup Kris Dunn get the minutes at point guard and Chris Paul might not play at all…he has understood that" pic.twitter.com/qO8SuQPzIU
Of course, the Clippers needed to get the go-ahead from James Harden for this deal. Harden and Paul played two years together in Houston, and their relationship ended tumultuously.
“Look, there had to be an understanding with James Harden. He and James Harden didn’t have the greatest relationship when they were in Houston a few years ago.
“Harden is on board with this signing. They went to him with it first. He understands that he played the fifth-most minutes in the league last year, and anything the Clippers can do to support and protect him is welcomed. That’s what this move is.”
Windy also added:
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) July 22, 2025
"Harden is on board with this signing. They went to him with it first" https://t.co/JFcROvIG5K
It appears that the Clippers wanted to ensure that there wouldn’t be friction between the two stars. Especially since Paul will play behind Harden rather than form a backcourt like they did on the Houston Rockets.
Harden giving his approval to the deal means he and Paul are willing to put their differences aside in the pursuit of that elusive first NBA championship.
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