Rumor: Chris Paul Won’t Have ‘Guaranteed Playing Time’ With Clippers

Chris Paul won’t have “guaranteed playing time” with the Los Angeles Clippers, according to NBA insider Brian Windhorst of ESPN. 

Paul signed with the Clippers, knowing he wouldn’t play that much next season, and James Harden signed off on the deal. 

“From what I understand, he’s not gonna have guaranteed playing time,” Windhorst said. “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, which is something you’ve never seen from him before.

“He has understood that. He understands that he’s gonna be in that spot that he hasn’t. He wants to be on a competitive (NBA) team in the market he wants to play in near his family. And you know 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, but 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 and that’s what this move is.”

Paul played for the Clippers from 2011-17. The NBA legend is 40 years old and no longer a star in the league. 

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 beyond the arc and 92.4% from the free-throw line. 

The Clippers are expected to start Harden, Bradley Beal, Kawhi Leonard, John Collins and Ivica Zubac next season. 

LAC lost to the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the 2025 playoffs in seven games. The franchise has never been to the NBA Finals. 

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