Chris Paul's Farewell Tour is Official, But How Does It End?
- Joel Piton
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Chris Paul has made it official. After hinting on Spolitics just weeks ago that he was prepping for his final NBA season, the 12-time All-Star has signed a one-year, $3.6 million deal to return to the Los Angeles Clippers for what will be his 21st—and likely final—year in the league. Paul’s return to L.A. brings his storied career full circle. From 2011 to 2017, he was the centerpiece to the "Lob City" era, racking up five All-Star selections, two assists titles, three steals titles, and three All-NBA First Team honors during his six-year run with the Clippers. It was, by most measures, the peak of his prime. But in the years since, Paul has bounced around the league—from Houston to OKC, Phoenix, Golden State, and most recently San Antonio—never staying longer than three seasons in one place.
Now 40, Paul joins an elite group of players—Robert Parish, Kevin Willis, Kevin Garnett, and Dirk Nowitzki—as just the fifth in NBA history to reach 21 seasons. And for him, there’s no better place to close the curtain than where his best basketball was played. Some see this move as a symbol—one final lap for a Hall of Famer who never got his ring. Others believe it could be one last title push. But with a championship still the lone omission on Paul’s resume, the question is simple: how competitive is this Clippers team really?
The Clippers enter this season fresh off yet another early playoff exit—their third consecutive first-round departure in as many years. Once again, the promise of star power couldn’t overcome the pitfalls of inconsistency. Kawhi Leonard’s conditioning and availability have been ongoing concerns for half a decade. While he typically suits up come playoff time, the sheer number of regular season games he misses often leaves him out of rhythm and susceptible to re-injury when it matters most. However, there’s reason for cautious optimism—reports say Leonard continued his NBA-level training through late June to simulate a full playoff and Finals run. That level of dedication is a step in the right direction, even if the results remain to be seen.
James Harden, now 35, earned an All-Star nod last season and posted a superb stat line of 22 points, 8 assists, and 5 rebounds—his best scoring output since arriving in L.A. Center Ivica Zubac also stepped up, posting career highs in both scoring and rebounding while finishing fourth in the league in total rebounds and third in offensive boards. A walking double-double who has shot over 60% from the field in each of the last six seasons, Zubac was quietly one of the most dominant fives in the league. The firepower was there. The results weren’t. This trio still couldn’t get out of the first round. They needed help—and with Chris Paul back in the fold, they just might have found it.
The Clippers reloaded in a BIG way this offseason, bring in some serious heavy hitters on both ends of the floor. On July 16, 2025, Bradley Beal was waived by the Suns following a contract buyout and just two days later, he inked a two-year, $11 million deal with the Clippers. At 32, Beal remains a dangerous scorer, capable of dropping 20 on any given night with a smooth perimeter game and reliable outside shooting. With CP3 now locking down the point guard spot, James Harden will likely shift to shooting guard, pushing Beal into uncharted territory at—small forward potentially? It’s unconventional—but in today’s position-less NBA, it just might work. Despite turning 40, Chris Paul started all 82 games for the Spurs last season—one of the few players in the league to do so. He's not coming off the bench, and that makes Ty Lue’s rotation puzzle even more intriguing.
Alongside the revamped backcourt, the Clippers added high-flying power forward John Collins, a 19 point per game scorer and double-double machine with range. Serbian sharpshooter Bogdan Bogdanovic also returns after a strong 30-game stretch off the bench, bringing much-needed scoring and floor spacing. Derrick Jones Jr., still in his prime, posted career-highs in scoring and brings speed and energy to the second unit. And then there’s Brook Lopez—one of the league’s most underrated two-way bigs. Even at 37, he finished top three in blocks and stretches the floor from deep effortlessly. He’s likely backing up Ivica Zubac, giving the Clippers a legitimate one-two punch at center. This roster is stacked. But the big question looms: can they stay healthy? With an average core age hovering around 32.5, this team is walking a tightrope in an era dominated by load management and injury concerns. Still, if they stay upright, this group is built for a deep playoff run—and they’ll be must-watch basketball every night.
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First it was Damian Lillard returning to Portland. Now it’s Chris Paul heading back to L.A. Something’s in the water. We’re seeing a wave of veterans choosing legacy over luxury—opting to finish their careers where they’re most respected, not necessarily where the rings are guaranteed. And honestly, there’s something beautiful about that. In Paul’s case, he’s surrounded by a heavy-hitting roster with real potential. And no matter which jersey you rep, it’s hard not to root for a player like CP3 to finally get his moment.
The 12-time All-Star has inspired generations of hoopers with his vision, tenacity, and leadership. The game simply wouldn’t be the same without him. Now, with one last season ahead of him, the question remains: can Paul turn a team mocked as a “retirement home” into a legitimate threat? Or will this be a farewell tour that ends in defeat? Either way, his legacy is cemented—but this final chapter is still being written.
The offseason is long, vigorous, and we're only halfway through. Stay locked in with FOSN for your hoops coverage, updates, and highlights. Who will be the next superstar to go back where it all started?
Thanks for reading!
Joel Piton
@jp7ton