Chris Paul’s Hollywood story gets one last chapter. Eight seasons after leaving Los Angeles, the “Point God” returns to the Los Angeles Clippers with championship dreams and the reality that his legendary career is winding down. This isn’t the same explosive point guard who terrorized defenses during the Lob City era, but Paul brings something even more valuable: the wisdom of 20 NBA seasons and the hunger of an all-time great who’s never held that trophy.
Will Chris Paul Accept a Bench Role for His Championship Chase?
The Clippers made their priorities clear when they signed Paul to a veteran-minimum one-year deal worth $3.6 million. This move comes just days after adding superstar guard Bradley Beal to the roster, creating a crowded backcourt that raises questions about playing time distribution.
Paul’s career has been defined by durability and consistent minutes. Over 20 NBA seasons, he’s averaged 33.7 minutes per game, a testament to his conditioning and value to every team he’s played for. During the 2024-25 season, Paul maintained that trend by averaging 28 minutes per game while appearing in every contest.
However, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst revealed a dramatic shift in expectations for the veteran guard. Paul will no longer have guaranteed playing time, marking a seismic change for a player who has been a fixture in starting lineups throughout his career.
There are going to be nights when Chris Paul doesn’t play at all, per @WindhorstESPN
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 22, 2025
“From what I understand, he’s not going to have guaranteed playing time. There are going to be nights where James Harden and their backup, Chris Dunn, get the minutes of point guard. And Chris Paul might not play at all, which is something you’ve never seen from him before,” said Windhorst.
This arrangement represents uncharted territory for Paul, who has built his reputation on being available and productive every night. Yet the championship goal appears to overshadow any personal concerns about reduced minutes. With his family still residing in Los Angeles, the personal benefits of this reunion extend beyond basketball, potentially easing what many expect to be his final season in the league.
Why Did Paul Choose the Clippers Over Other Suitors?
The 12-time All-Star had options when he hit the market. The Milwaukee Bucks, Charlotte Hornets, and Dallas Mavericks all pursued Paul’s services, but the pull of returning to Los Angeles proved irresistible.
Paul’s connection to the Clippers runs deeper than most player-team relationships. The Lob City era, which he anchored alongside Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan, represents arguably the most electrifying period in franchise history. Now, as Paul embarks on what appears to be his farewell tour, completing his championship quest with the Clippers would create the perfect storybook ending.
Meanwhile, concerns about past chemistry issues were quickly addressed. Paul and James Harden’s rocky relationship during their Houston tenure raised eyebrows when the signing was announced, but Windhorst clarified that Harden fully endorsed bringing Paul aboard.
“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,” the NBA insider explained. “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.”
This endorsement from Harden signals maturity from both veterans. With Harden logging heavy minutes as one of the league’s most-used players, Paul’s presence offers valuable insurance and rest opportunities during the grueling regular season.
The Clippers have assembled another star-studded roster for the 2025-26 campaign. While these players may be past their individual peaks, the combination of experience, talent, and championship hunger creates a dangerous playoff threat. If they can navigate the competitive Western Conference and secure a postseason berth, few teams will want to face this veteran-laden squad when everything is on the line.
The ultimate question remains whether the Clippers can finally deliver Paul the championship that has eluded him throughout his Hall of Fame career. The 2025-26 season will determine if this Hollywood reunion produces the perfect ending Paul has been chasing for two decades.