Chris Paul spent some of the best years of his NBA career with the Los Angeles Clippers during the 2010s decade. Although the "Lob City" team never reached the NBA Finals, the squad produced plenty of memorable moments as CP3, Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan led the way. Paul returned to the Clippers this past offseason -- and it seems the only way he wants to leave again is when he retires.
During a recent interview with Marc J. Spears of Andscape, Paul was asked if his decision this offseason was as simple as retirement or returning to the Clippers.
"Basically, to a certain extent, yeah," the 40-year-old responded.
When asked if this is his last season in the NBA, however, Paul did not shut down the possibility of returning next year.
"No. I’m just saying all this stuff is part of my decision-making in my thought process," Paul said. "Yeah, I don’t know that [answer]. For me, I’m going to keep playing it by ear and see what it looks like."
Paul seems to be content with the Clippers. Some wondered if he'd consider returning to the Hornets for his final season in the NBA -- as that was the team he made his debut with. With that being said, Paul played for the Hornets in New Orleans. However, the Hornets are now in Charlotte while the Pelicans are New Orleans' team.
So, a return to either New Orleans or playing in Charlotte could make sense, but Chris Paul is seemingly planning to remain in LA. The 2025-26 season represents his seventh official season with the Clippers. Of course, the other six years were from the 2011-12 season through the 2016-17 campaign.
Paul was already regarded as one of the better point guards in the league before even getting traded to the Clippers. Playing in LA moved Paul to a big market, though. The Clippers' previous struggles had been impossible to ignore, but they became one of the most popular teams in the NBA after acquiring Paul. Los Angeles' performance also increased without question.
The Paul-led Clippers found no shortage of regular season success. They just couldn't get the job done in the postseason. CP3 is unquestionably a future Hall of Famer, but he has yet to win a championship. The veteran point guard is hoping that will change this year. One has to imagine that winning a championship would significantly impact Paul's retirement decision.
For now, it is uncertain as to when he will walk away from the game. Barring unforeseen circumstances, though, Paul will likely finish his NBA career in Los Angeles with the Clippers.