Chris Paul Is Back with the Clippers: Will His Declining Stats Hinder Kawhi Leonard's Title Run?

Veteran point guard Chris Paul has signed a one-year, $3.6 million deal with the Los Angeles Clippers ahead of the 2025–26 NBA season. The move reunites Paul with the franchise he once led during the 'Lob City' era. With the 12-time All-Star expected to retire after this season, the Clippers are betting on experience as they make a final push for a championship alongside star forward Kawhi Leonard.

Paul's return, however, comes with questions surrounding his current form and whether his declining stats could hamper the team's title ambitions.

Chris Paul's Clippers Homecoming

Paul's comeback to the Clippers marks a significant chapter in his career, more than a decade after he first donned the team's jersey. From 2011 to 2017, Paul helped transform the Clippers into playoff contenders, forming a high-flying trio with Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan. The new deal, announced on 21 July, brings the 40-year-old point guard back to Los Angeles, closer to his family and with a renewed focus on ending his NBA journey where he once thrived.

As published by NBA, team president Lawrence Frank said, 'Chris is one of the most impactful players ever to wear a Clippers uniform and it's appropriate that he returns to the team for this chapter of his career'. He also added that they are expecting Paul to 'fortify our backcourt with his exceptional ballhandling, playmaking and shooting'.

Assessing Chris Paul's Current Stats and Form

During the 2024–25 season with the San Antonio Spurs, Paul made headlines by becoming the first player in NBA history to play all 82 regular-season games in his 20th season or later. He averaged 8.8 points and 7.4 assists per game, while maintaining a 42.7 percent field goal percentage.

While these numbers are a notable achievement for a player of his age, they reflect a decline from his peak years, when he regularly averaged double figures in scoring and over 10 assists per game.

Kawhi Leonard's Championship Clock is Ticking

For Leonard, time is running out to capture another NBA title. Plagued by injuries in recent seasons, he remains one of the league's most effective two-way players when healthy. The Clippers have reinforced their roster, acquiring Bradley Beal, Brook Lopez and John Collins, creating a balanced mix of youth and experience.

Leonard, who led the team to the Western Conference Finals in 2021, is entering a critical phase of his career. With his contract nearing its end and his injury history growing, this season may be the final opportunity for him to secure a championship in Los Angeles.

Is Chris Paul Still Built for the Big Moments?

Paul's past postseason runs have often ended in disappointment, including a blown 2–0 lead in the 2021 NBA Finals with the Phoenix Suns. However, his ability to manage games, mentor younger players and provide stability in late-game situations remains respected across the league.

The Clippers are expected to monitor his minutes and deploy him strategically to preserve his legs for the playoffs. Whether Paul will start or come off the bench is yet to be confirmed, but his role is anticipated to be that of a secondary playmaker behind Leonard and Beal.