Los Angeles Clippers general manager Lawrence Frank expressed strong interest on Saturday in bringing back veteran free agent guard Chris Paul to the team. Paul, who recently hinted at a desire to return to Los Angeles, has played for five different franchises since leaving the Clippers in 2017, yet his family continues to live on the West Coast. In the past season, Paul played with the San Antonio Spurs, starting all 82 games and averaging 8.8 points and 7.4 assists per game. This recent performance reflects the playmaking abilities that he showcased during his successful six-year tenure with the Clippers.
In related news, unrestricted free agent Ben Simmons is still on the lookout for a new team, with the New York Knicks and Sacramento Kings emerging as potential destinations. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Kings are seeking another veteran guard to complement their roster needs, while the Knicks are actively building around their first-year coach, Mike Brown.
Simmons, who joined the Clippers in February after a tumultuous period with the Brooklyn Nets, has struggled with injuries throughout the past few seasons. After undergoing a microscopic partial discectomy last March, he managed to play in 33 games last season, averaging 6.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 6.9 assists.
The Kings have recently signed Dennis Schroder, aiming for him to take on point guard responsibilities following the trade of star guard De’Aaron Fox to the Spurs last season. Meanwhile, the Knicks are looking to fill a roster spot at the veteran minimum, which could potentially allow them to utilize Simmons as a cost-effective depth option.
While Simmons has been recognized as a two-time All-Defensive selection and won the NBA Rookie of the Year award in 2016, his recent performance has been marred by availability and consistency issues. Nonetheless, a new opportunity could provide him with the chance to rediscover his form and contribute meaningfully to his next team.
Overall, the Clippers’ interest in Chris Paul combined with Simmons’ search for a fresh start illustrates the dynamic nature of the NBA offseason, with teams actively seeking to reinforce their rosters.