Chris Paul had his heart set on the Los Angeles Clippers from the beginning of free agency.
“It was a no-brainer,” Paul told reporters Monday at his introductory press conference.
Paul added, “The easiest decision in this … is my family. Getting a chance to be around them. Be around a lot more. And get a chance to compete and play for a championship.”
Paul first thought about a return to L.A. when he helped the Phoenix Suns clinch a Finals berth on the Clippers’ home floor three years ago.
The 40-year-old says he remembers looking up at the arena box suites and seeing all the Clippers personnel that had become “extended family” over his six seasons with the franchise.
“I wanted to get back and play here by any means necessary,” Paul said. “I didn’t even care what the team looked like. I just wanted to be home. Be here with the Clippers.
“I’m just so excited about the moves that the team has made this offseason. … I’m even more excited about what I think we have a chance to do.
Paul spent the prime of his career with the Clippers, earning six NBA All-Defensive first-team nods, five All-Star selections, and making the All-NBA first-team on three occasions. He remains the organization’s all-time leader in assists and ranks second in steals.
Paul joins a formidable core featuring Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, and Ivica Zubac.
The Clippers also added three-time All-Star Bradley Beal, forward John Collins, and veteran big man Brook Lopez.
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