Chris Paul Returns to Clippers in No. 3 Jersey

Chris Paul Joins Clippers in Familiar Territory, Embraces New Role

Los Angeles, CA – In a move signaling a notable shift in their veteran leadership, the Los Angeles Clippers have officially welcomed Chris Paul back to the team, a significant acquisition that reconfigures their backcourt dynamics. Paul,a 19-year NBA veteran,is set to embrace a new role,coming off the bench after a career defined by consistent starts,including all 82 games for the San Antonio Spurs last season.

This transition marks a departure from Paul’s accustomed role as a primary starter, having begun 1,314 of his 1,354 career games. Clippers President lawrence Frank emphasized the thoughtful deliberation behind this decision,highlighting Paul’s enthusiasm for rejoining the franchise and contributing to the team’s success. “There’ll be nights Chris plays a lot, there’ll be nights he does not,” Frank stated. “Chris is excited to be here, to be part of the group, to help lead the group and to play when called on.”

Frank acknowledged the weight of Paul’s previous starting roles and productive seasons, underscoring the extensive conversations held to ensure both Paul and the team were pleasant with the proposed arrangement. “The fact that Chris wanted to come back, wanted to be at home, wanted to be with the Clippers, we obviously know what his skillset is, but also wanted to make sure the role made perfect sense from both people’s perspective,” he added.

The Clippers’ strategic vision for Paul’s integration included consultations with key players, notably James Harden and Kawhi Leonard. Harden, who previously shared a potent backcourt with Paul in Houston during the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons, voiced strong support for the move. “They did [talk],” Frank confirmed regarding Harden and Paul discussing a reunion.”And when talking to James, talking to Kawhi, both guys said CP would be the best guy for this role.”

Harden spoke highly of Paul’s impact, citing his remarkable court vision, leadership qualities, competitive drive, and unwavering work ethic. “What James talked about with Chris was his ability to see the floor like few others, the leadership skills he brings, the competitiveness and his everyday work ethic and approach. He thoght that Chris would be a great fit for the team,” Frank relayed.

This addition caps an eventful offseason for the Clippers, who also secured a new two-year deal with Harden, added guard eric Beal following his buyout from the Suns, acquired power forward John Collins via trade for Norman Powell, and signed veteran center Brook Lopez in free agency.

Evergreen Insights:

The Clippers’ acquisition of Chris Paul, albeit in a bench role, speaks to a broader trend in the modern NBA: the evolving value of veteran leadership and situational playmaking. Teams are increasingly recognizing that deep playoff runs are not solely built on star power but also on experienced players who understand how to manage game flow, mentor younger talent, and deliver in crucial moments, irrespective of their starting status.

Paul’s willingness to adapt his role demonstrates a professional maturity that is invaluable to any championship contender. It underscores that the definition of contribution extends beyond minutes played or shots taken. His ability to “play when called on” is a testament to his understanding of team needs and his personal commitment to winning.This dynamic also highlights the importance of open communication and player buy-in when constructing a roster,especially when veteran players are involved in significant role adjustments. The success of such a move hinges on mutual respect and a shared vision for team success, principles that the Clippers appear to have prioritized in this significant offseason maneuver.

How does Chris Paul’s return impact Terance Mann’s role on the Clippers?

The Point God Returns to LA

On July 22nd, 2025, the Los Angeles Clippers officially announced the return of veteran point guard Chris Paul, sending shockwaves through the NBA. After a stint with the Golden State Warriors, Paul is back where many believe his prime was forged, donning the No.3 jersey once again.This move immediately elevates the Clippers’ championship aspirations and injects a wealth of experience into their already talented roster. The acquisition was finalized following a trade with Golden State,involving draft picks and young talent.

Analyzing the Trade & Clippers’ Roster Impact

The Clippers sent a protected 2027 frist-round pick, along with guard Quentin Grimes and forward Brandon Boston Jr. to the Warriors in exchange for Paul. While giving up future assets is always a consideration, the immediate impact of adding a player like Chris Paul is undeniable.

Here’s how Paul’s arrival impacts the Clippers’ key positions:

Point Guard: Paul immediately becomes the starting point guard, pushing Terance mann to a sixth-man role, providing a significant scoring punch off the bench.

Backcourt Synergy: The pairing of Paul with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George creates a formidable offensive trio. Paul’s playmaking ability will undoubtedly unlock new scoring opportunities for both stars.

Leadership & Experience: Beyond his on-court skills, Paul brings invaluable leadership and playoff experience to a team hungry for a championship. His basketball IQ is consistently praised by peers and coaches.

Chris Paul’s Statistical Profile & Recent Performance

Throughout his illustrious 19-year career,Chris Paul has consistently ranked among the league’s elite point guards.His career averages of 14.6 points, 9.5 assists, and 1.7 steals per game speak volumes.

Here’s a snapshot of his recent performance (2023-2024 season with Golden State):

Points Per Game: 13.9

Assists Per Game: 9.2

Field goal Percentage: 44.1%

three-Point Percentage: 32.3%

While his scoring numbers have slightly decreased in recent years, his playmaking and defensive instincts remain sharp. He’s proven he can adapt his game and contribute to winning teams in various roles. The Clippers are betting on his veteran savvy to be a crucial factor in their playoff run.

The No. 3 Jersey: A Return to Roots

The decision for Chris Paul to reclaim the No. 3 jersey is symbolic. He wore the number during his previous six-season stint with the Clippers (2011-2017),leading the team to unprecedented success and establishing himself as a fan favorite. The jersey number represents a period of exciting basketball and a strong connection with the Clippers fanbase. It’s a clear signal of his commitment to the team and his desire to finish his career strong in Los Angeles.

Clippers’ Championship Odds & playoff Outlook

With the addition of Chris Paul, the Clippers’ championship odds have significantly improved. According to major sportsbooks as of july 23rd, 2025, the Clippers are now among the top three favorites to win the 2026 NBA Championship.

key factors contributing to their improved outlook:

1. Experienced Playmaking: Paul’s ability to control the tempo and make smart decisions in crucial moments.
2. Star Power: The combination of Leonard, George, and Paul creates a potent offensive force.
3. Defensive Versatility: The Clippers boast a roster capable of switching defensively and disrupting opposing offenses.

Historical Context: Chris Paul’s Previous Clippers Tenure

Chris Paul’s first run with the Clippers was transformative. He arrived in 2011 via a trade with the New Orleans Hornets and immediately elevated the franchise. Under coach Vinny Del Negro and later Doc Rivers, the Clippers reached the playoffs in each of Paul’s six seasons, culminating in a Western Conference Semifinals appearance in 2014. His partnership with Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan formed the iconic “Lob City” era, captivating fans with their high-flying plays and exciting style of basketball. While a championship eluded them, paul left a lasting legacy in Los Angeles.

Benefits of Paul’s Return for the Clippers

Reduced Load on Kawhi & PG: Paul’s playmaking takes pressure off Leonard and George to create every offensive possession.

Improved Offensive Efficiency: His high assist rate and ability to find open teammates will lead to more efficient scoring opportunities.

Enhanced Late-game Execution: Paul is renowned for his clutch