Shortly after the free market opened, 40-year-old NBA veteran Chris Paul officially announced his return to his former club, the Los Angeles Clippers, and signed a one-year contract to start his 21st season in the NBA.

Paul said that this was an undoubted decision. At the press conference, Paul mentioned that the most important reason for his return was family: "Having the opportunity to be with my family, closer to home, and at the same time compete for a championship is the ideal situation."

Paul revealed that he had the idea of returning three years ago when he secured a spot in the finals for the Phoenix Suns at the Los Angeles Clippers' home court. At that time, he looked out at the court box and saw the Los Angeles Clippers' staff, whose faces had been like family for six years, and he always had a deep affection for the team.

Paul played for the Los Angeles Clippers from 2011 to 2017 and was a core figure of the team. During this period, he was recognized by the All-Star team five times, the All-NBA First Team three times, and the All-Defensive First Team six times. He still holds the record of assists leader and second in steals in the history of the Los Angeles Clippers.

The Los Angeles Clippers now have a strong roster. In addition to the original Kawhi Leonard, James Harden and Ivica Zubac, this offseason they introduced three-time All-Star Bradley Beal, powerful forward John Collins and veteran center Brook Lopez.

However, Paul doesn't care what the Los Angeles Clippers are like now. He said: "I will do everything I can to come back here to play. I don't care what this team looks like now. I just want to go home and be with the Los Angeles Clippers. I am excited about the team's actions during the offseason, and I look forward to what we can achieve together."