Depsite a star-studded roster, the infamous “Lob City” era came to an abrupt end in 2017 after Chris Paul elected to join the Houston Rockets in a sign-and-trade.
The dynamic of both teams has changed drastically since then and, interestingly enough, the Clippers may be in a position to bring their former guard back to town.
According to Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz, a Paul/Clippers reunion could be in the works ahead of February’s annual deadline.
Due $41.4 million next year with a $44.2 million player option the year in 2021-22, Chris Paul is almost certainly staying with the Oklahoma City Thunder past the Feb. 6 trade deadline.
But if one team is willing to risk taking him on, the Los Angeles Clippers should be it.
Paul’s talents seem well-suited for the new-look Clips.
Despite all of their star power, the Clippers are 24th in assist percentage this year (56.6 percent) and 20th in assist-to-turnover ratio (1.54). Paul would unlock the offense by finding open shooters and getting the ball to Kawhi Leonard and Paul George in their preferred spots.
Their potential lineup would, no doubt, be hard to compete with. There are benefits to both the Clippers and Paul.
“A five-man unit of Paul, Williams, George, Leonard and Harrell may be the best in the NBA and would likely make the Clippers title favorites. It would also allow Paul to spend more time with his family, as his wife and children currently reside in L.A.”
It’s no secret that Paul is having a pretty impressive year despite all that’s being said about him. His uber-expensive contract has been the biggest hindrance in potential deals so far, but expect the Clippers to take a serious look at bringing him back if he continues his most recent tear.
