The Los Angeles Clippers are keeping the door open for a potential reunion with Chris Paul as they look to round out their roster for the 2025-26 NBA season.
Speaking to reporters Saturday via Zoom, Clippers president of basketball operations, Lawrence Frank, said the team is “strongly, strongly considering” signing the free agent guard. The 39-year-old Paul, who spent six seasons with the Clippers earlier in his career, is known to be prioritizing a return to Los Angeles as he weighs options for his 21st NBA season.
“Chris is someone we hold in high regard,” Frank said. “We’re still evaluating that 14th roster spot, but certainly, we’re looking to add playmaking and ball-handling. That’s a priority.”
Paul started all 82 games for the Spurs last season, averaging 11.7 points and 6.4 assists. While he reportedly prefers to remain a starter, the Clippers’ recent addition of Bradley Beal and the presence of James Harden could limit opportunities in that role. Still, Paul’s experience and ties to the organization make him a logical target, especially as the team continues to manage a tight cap situation.
With only two roster spots available and just $3.57 million in space below the first-apron hard cap, Los Angeles is limited to offering veteran minimum deals to fill out the roster. Frank acknowledged that adding Paul would likely mean finalizing the rotation with 14 players, barring further moves.
Frank also addressed the team’s major offseason acquisitions, including the official signing of Bradley Beal, a longtime target of the front office.
“We tried to trade for him twice before,” Frank said. “His ability to play off the ball, to make plays, and to defend — those are things we’re excited about. We think he can thrive in hand-off actions like we ran with Norman Powell.”
Frank noted that Beal’s agent, Mark Bartelstein, had extensive discussions with the team, including a half-hour call with Harden before the decision was finalized.
Harden’s own contract played a pivotal role in creating the financial flexibility to complete the deals for Beal and Brook Lopez. According to Frank, Harden’s willingness to leave room under the apron allowed the Clippers to utilize the full $14.1 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception — a tool only three teams have fully used this offseason.
The Clippers also added forward John Collins and made size a clear emphasis.
“Between Lopez and Collins, we wanted size and complementary skill sets,” Frank said. “It’s about having diversity in the frontcourt to give Ty [Lue] more lineup options.”
As training camp approaches, Frank acknowledged the importance of managing expectations across a deep roster.
“We’ve got 10 guys who can be in the rotation,” Frank said. “Ty usually plays nine. Role definition and communication are going to be huge for us heading into the season.”
That final roster decision — including the potential addition of Paul — may ultimately come down to fit and function.
“Whoever we bring in, it has to be the right piece,” Frank said. “We’re going to be deliberate with that last spot.”
For now, the Clippers are keeping their options open. But with Paul’s availability, family ties to Los Angeles, and a clear team need, a reunion may be inching closer to reality.
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