Chris Paul Calls Clippers Contract 'No-Brainer,' Wanted Deal 'By Any Means Necessary'
As he nears the end of his legendary NBA career, veteran point guard Chris Paul knew he wanted to be close to home.
Paul told ESPN's Dave McMenamin that he didn't hesitate to return to the Los Angeles Clippers, particularly because it gave him the chance to spend more time with his family.
"It was a no-brainer," Paul said of signing with the Clippers. "… The easiest decision was my family, getting a chance to be around a lot more."
He added that he wanted to sign with the Clippers "by any means necessary," via The Athletic's Law Murray.
Paul previously played for the Clippers from 2011 to 2017. As one of the architects of "Lob City," he created several highlights with the frontcourt tandem of Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan, and he led the league in assists in 2013-14 and 2014-15. His tenure ended when he was traded to the Houston Rockets.
Still, the 40-year-old never lost his affinity for the franchise with which he spent his prime years. He told reporters that "it would mean everything" for him to have his No. 3 jersey retired with the Clippers.
Paul is joining a veteran-laden Clippers team that had a busy offseason. In addition to bringing him back to the fold, Los Angeles acquired veteran forward John Collins from the Utah Jazz and signed star guard Bradley Beal and veteran center Brook Lopez. The deal also reunites Paul with star guard James Harden, with whom he played during his two seasons with the Rockets.
The Clippers are hoping to contend for an NBA title next season after falling to the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the playoffs this year. Despite playing in a backup role, Paul will certainly be motivated to chase his first career championship and end things on a high note.
