Bucks get bad news on free agent future Hall of Famer

Feb 14, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Western Conference guard Chris Paul of the Los Angeles Clippers (3) dribbles the ball around Eastern Conference player Al Horford of the Atlanta Hawks (15) in the fourth quarter during the NBA All Star Game at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Peter Llewellyn-Imagn Images

The Milwaukee Bucks have received an unwanted update about the availability of a free agent future Hall of Fame superstar.

CAA agents Steven Heumann, Ty Sullivan and Jessica Holtz inform ESPN's Shams Charania that point guard Chris Paul has opted to rejoin his family in Los Angeles and return to the L.A. Clippers.

Twelve-time All-Star Chris Paul has agreed to a deal with the Los Angeles Clippers, CAA's Steven Heumann, Ty Sullivan and Jessica Holtz told ESPN. Paul had multiple suitors, but chose the contending Clippers and their shared history in L.A. for his likely final, 21st NBA season. pic.twitter.com/qC640MFFeI

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 21, 2025

Charania reports that several teams were interested in signing the former 12-time All-Star, who at 40 is one of the league's oldest active players, but that ultimately Paul opted to return to the club where he arguably enjoyed his best years, from 2011-17.

Since leaving the Clippers, Paul has suited up for contending clubs with the Houston Rockets and Phoenix, before transitioning into his post-All-Star journeyman phase on the Golden State Warriors and, more recently, the San Antonio Spurs. But Paul's wife and children have continued to call Los Angeles home.

Per longtime NBA insider Chris Haynes, it is expected that Paul's 21st pro season in 2025-26 will be his last. He'll earn a $3.6 million veteran's minimum salary, a significant paycut from his $11 million deal with San Antonio.

The 2025-26 season will be Chris Paul’s 21st and likely final year in the league as his dream scenario is in place to finish his career at home with the Los Angeles Clippers. https://t.co/2vEJ66snwR

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) July 21, 2025

More to come...