Paul's return to the Clippers, where he starred for six years alongside Blake Griffin during the Lob City era, will be under far different circumstances. This time around, he'll be operating as a backup point guard, providing depth behind starter James Harden.

Paul, a 12-time All-Star, is still searching for his first title. He spent last season on a one-year, $10.4 million contract with the Spurs. In San Antonio, the veteran point guard mentored a young roster that included budding superstar Victor Wembanyama, plus other young standouts in Stephon Castle and Jeremy Sochan.