Due to rules in the NBA CBA, Chris Paul can’t sign a contract until July 10th, but the superstar point guard confirmed to the world that he’ll be putting pen to paper and re-signing with the Los Angeles Clippers when that day comes. Chris Paul released the news via his twitter account, @CP3 saying:
“I’M IN!!! #CLIPPERNATION”
It is expected that Paul will be signing a 5 year max money deal worth $107 million. Paul will have the ability to opt out of the contract after 4 seasons and become a free agent.
Last season, Paul averaged 16.9 points per game, 9.7 assists per game and a league-leading 2.4 steals per game.
The Clippers acquired Paul from the New Orleans Hornets (now Pelicans) on December 14th 2011.
Paul was also a member of the 2012 United States Olympic Team that went to London and brought home the gold medal.
Paul reportedly did not get along well with Clippers coach Vinny Del Negro last season, but Del Negro will not be back. In his place the Clippers traded draft picks to the Boston Celtics in order for the right to bring in Doc Rivers as their new head coach.
Paul and forward Blake Griffin form a star studded core for a Clippers team that won 56 games last season, and finished 4th in the Western Conference. Unfortunately the Clippers would be upset in the first round of the NBA playoffs.
Paul and Griffin will have to hope that management can surround them with the right complimentary pieces to take the Clippers to the next level. Looking at the rival Lakers, Kobe Bryant isn’t getting any younger, and Dwight Howard may be leaving via free agency. There is no better time than no for the Clippers to change Los Angeles from the home of Showtime and make it known as Lob City.
Thanks for reading. Don’t forget to follow our basketball department on Twitter – @giordun, @aFishCalledMatt, @NBAFantasyInfo and @KaineElmy. While you’re at it, give the site a follow too – @lastwordonsport.
Interested in writing for LastWordOnSports? If so, check out our “Join Our Team” page to find out how.
Main Photo Credit: Neontommy.com, cc
