Paul returns to Clippers on one-year deal for 21st season
Free agent guard Chris Paul has returned to the Los Angeles Clippers on a one-year deal for his 21st and expected final season in the NBA.
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The Los Angeles Clippers are parting ways with Chris Paul, the team announced, after Paul posted a story Dec. 3 on his Instagram account saying, “Just found Out I’m Being Sent Home” with a peace sign emoji over a black background.
Multiple reports have followed, with the Clippers releasing a statement on the decision.
“We are parting ways with Chris, and he will no longer be with the team,” said Clippers general manager Lawrence Frank in a released statement.
“We will work with him on the next step of his career. Chris is a legendary Clipper who has had a historic career. I want to make one thing very clear. No one is blaming Chris for our underperformance. I accept responsibility for the record we have right now. There are a lot of reasons why we’ve struggled. We’re grateful for the impact Chris has made on the franchise.”
The 40-year-old Paul averaged a career-low 2.9 points in 16 games with the Clippers (5-16), who are next to last in the Western Conference after a 140-123 road loss Dec. 1 to the Miami Heat.
Paul posted eight points and three assists in 15 minutes. The Clippers continue their five-game road trip Dec. 3 against the Atlanta Hawks. They’ve lost their last five games and eight of their last nine.
Paul announced Nov. 22 on his IG that this would be his final NBA season. The future first-ballot Hall of Famer played three seasons for the Phoenix Suns (2020-23).
Devin Booker and Paul led the Suns to the 2021 NBA Finals and a franchise record 64 wins in the 2021-22 season.
“A lot of memories,” Booker said last month when asked about Paul’s retirement. “Even before we were teammates, watching him and learning from him, being inspired by him. Just the ultimate competitor. Ultimate winner. I’m happy he’ll get his flowers that he deserves. Should be every arena that he goes to because he’s changed the landscape of the NBA forever.”
The Suns traded Paul in acquiring Bradley Beal in the summer of 2023.
Paul has since played for the Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs before returning to the Clippers, where he previously played six seasons (2011-17).
Paul posted on his IG account Nov. 22 he was retiring, saying, “What a ride. Still so much left. GRATEFUL for this last one!!”
Less than two weeks later, he’s no longer with the Clippers.
The Suns (13-9) have one roster spot open on their 15-man standard roster. They recently signed guard Jamaree Bouyea to a two-way deal Nov. 18.
Bouyea has been solid as a reserve, averaging six points and shooting a career-high 58.3% from 3 in six games with the Suns.
Phoenix plays its next game Dec. 5 at Houston (13-5).
Have opinions about the current state of the Suns? Reach Suns Insider Duane Rankin at dmrankin@gannett.com or contact him at 480-810-5518. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, at @DuaneRankin.
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