Report: Kawhi Leonard 'Has a Better Relationship with' Chris Paul Than Most Clippers

In the event he winds up back with the Los Angeles Clippers, Chris Paul's fit alongside their best player shouldn't be an issue.

The Athletic's Law Murray wrote that Kawhi Leonard "he has a better relationship with Paul than most of the other Clippers."

"When it comes to play style, Leonard and Paul share a similar urge to maximize every possession," Murray said. "Leonard, unlike [Paul] George, takes care of the basketball at a high level and raises the floor of the offense consistently. Paul has a similar approach, putting together a historic assist-to-turnover ratio while shooting high percentages from the field."

Per multiple reports, the Phoenix Suns are sending Paul to the Washington Wizards in a deal involving Bradley Beal. Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report also reported the Wizards "are likely to reroute Paul in a trade."

Whether he's traded or waived for cost-saving purposes, the 38-year-old doesn't figure to be a long-term resident of Washington, D.C.

Murray reported the Clippers "are indeed interested in pursuing Paul" and "evaluating what it would take" to facilitate a deal.

With Russell Westbrook hitting free agency, Paul would address a glaring need in Los Angeles' backcourt, though Murray didn't rule out Westbrook's return even if CP3 is acquired first.

Paul showed with the Houston Rockets and Phoenix Suns he can seamlessly work alongside a high-volume scorer. Even if he and Leonard didn't have an existing rapport, one wouldn't expect them to encounter much friction on the court.

James Harden led the NBA in scoring in each of the two seasons he played with Paul in Houston, and the Rockets were one win away from the NBA Finals in 2018.

The 6'0" playmaker was then the missing piece for the Suns as they reached the 2021 Finals, and he helped to elevate both Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton.

Paul's injury history is the primary concern as it relates to a return to the West Coast. Leonard and George have both missed significant time since joining the Clippers, and the franchise would be adding another star with a track record of being unavailable for crucial playoff games.

All things considered, though, Paul is one of the best solutions in front of Los Angeles to resolve its point guard situation when it has no salary space and limited trade assets.