Brian Windhorst reveals James Harden's reaction to the Clippers signing Chris Paul - "They didn't have the greatest relationship when they were in Houston"

Brian Windhorst reveals James Harden’s reaction to the Clippers signing Chris Paul – “They didn’t have the greatest relationship when they were in Houston” originally appeared on Basketball Network.

Chris Paul signing with a new team for his 21st NBA season feels like a full-circle moment. For one, the veteran point guard returns to the Los Angeles Clippers — the franchise he led from 2011 to 2017. But there’s more: Paul is also reuniting with former co-star James Harden.

CP3 and The Beard played together on the Houston Rockets. That run, especially toward the end, was reportedly tense and led to a strained relationship. Naturally, this raises the question: how does Harden — now entering his third season in California — feel about teaming up again?

Recently, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst shared some insight.

Complex history

Paul and Harden’s reunion today doesn’t carry the same buzz as when they first joined forces back in June 2017. At the time, the two — then among the league’s top guards — teamed up in H-Town, a move that sent shockwaves through the NBA.

Fast-forward to today. Nearly six years after going their separate ways, Chris is 40, and Harden will turn 36 next month. Given their age, from a purely sporting standpoint, the moment doesn’t hold the same weight.

What makes this reunion truly interesting, though, is their complicated personal history.

Just remember the reports of tension that surfaced after their 2019 Western Conference semifinals loss to the Golden State Warriors. At the time, ESPN’s Tim McMahon reported “friction” and “tense exchanges” between the two future Hall of Famers during that series.

It’s rare for former teammates with such a rollercoaster past to reunite smoothly. Yet McMahon’s colleague, Windhorst, reassures Clippers fans: there’s a clear willingness to move forward and leave the past behind.

“He (Paul) 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,” Windhorst said.

The 47-year-old also said The Beard was consulted first, before the front office moved ahead with signing The Point God to a one-year, $3.6 million deal.

Balancing minutes and roles

CP3 and the Beard are both premier ball handlers. You’d expect that overlap and their rocky history to spell trouble for smooth sailing. But Windhorst says Harden sees it differently.

“He played the fifth-most minutes in the league last year, and anything the Clippers can do to support and protect him is welcomed,” said Windy.

An 11-time All-Star and the 2018 MVP, James isn’t the only one reportedly ready to make sacrifices. Chris, who has led the league in assists and steals a combined total of 11 times, seems to be on the same page. The former San Antonio Spurs veteran is not going to have guaranteed playing time with the Clippers but appears content with that.

“There are going to be nights where James Harden and their backup Kris Dunn will get the minutes at point guard, and Chris Paul might not play at all, which is something you’ve never seen from him before. He has understood that,” shared Windhorst.

Ultimately, it makes sense that the two former Rockets stars are willing to run it back. After all, neither has won that elusive championship ring. They came painfully close the last time they played together — and giving it another shot, now with more experience than ever, might not be the worst idea.

This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jul 22, 2025, where it first appeared.

Brian Windhorst reveals James Harden’s reaction to the Clippers signing Chris Paul – “They didn’t have the greatest relationship when they were in Houston”

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