NBA reporter Brian Windhorst has revealed James Harden’s response to Chris Paul signing with the LA Clippers.
Paul’s return to the Clippers is yet another heart-warming NBA homecoming, after the Portland Trail Blazers signed Damian Lillard just days prior. NBA fans are nearly unanimously for this nostalgic return to LA for Paul, but that might not have been the case for everybody.
Clippers star scorer Harden has a history with Paul from their time at the Houston Rockets. The pair parted ways with bad blood after reported locker room altercations. That begs the question: how did Harden respond when he found out the Clippers wanted to sign his former teammate?
James Harden is ‘on board’ with Chris Paul signing, says NBA reporter Brian Windhorst
Windhorst reported on ESPN that the Clippers ran this move by Harden before making it official, and Harden recognised that he needs help at the point guard position. The Clippers signed Bradley Beal to give Harden a perimeter weapon, and the Clippers were favourites to sign Lillard, but instead, Paul joins their ranks.
Windhorst said, “There had to be an understanding with James Harden. He and James Harden didn’t have the greatest relationship when they were in Houston a few years ago, but Harden is on board with this signing.
“They went to him with it first, he understood he played the fifth-most minutes in the league last year, and anything the Clippers can do to support and protect him is welcome.”
It’s not as difficult a fit as it otherwise might have been for Harden and Paul. Harden is still a star for the Clippers and has a starting role at the point, meanwhile, Paul has had to accept that he may not even play some games for his new team.
He’ll be a prominent part of the Clippers’ locker room with his veteran leadership, but Paul will not have a major impact on Harden’s on-court play. That makes it easier to accept for the 2018 NBA MVP.
Chris Paul expected to retire after this season, says Shams Charania
Even if things don’t work out between Harden and Paul, it may be a short-lived stay. Paul, who was drafted into the NBA in 2005, looks to end his 20-year career at the end of the upcoming year.
Speaking on ESPN, NBA Insider Shams Charania said, “I’m told Chris Paul is expected to retire after his season. He’s going to go through training camp, go through the season like he always does and see how it goes. His plan is for this to be his final season.”
Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images
It’s been an illustrious career in the NBA for Paul. He’s a 12-time All-Star, has been named to an All-NBA team 11 times and is a nine-time member of the NBA’s All-Defensive teams. He led the Phoenix Suns to the NBA Finals in 2021, and almost defeated Kevin Durant’s Golden State Warriors with the Rockets.
Now Paul returns to where he called home for six seasons, for what may be one last dance in the NBA. With rumours of LeBron James’ impending retirement surfacing, we could be waving goodbye to legends of the game this season.