As Chris Paul prepares to suit up for what may be his final NBA season, the Los Angeles Clippers are welcoming back a familiar face, and a familiar number. Paul will once again wear No. 3, the jersey he donned during his six-season run with the franchise from 2011 to 2017.
Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young took to X with a simple but powerful message:
“Retire it during the farewell tour 🔥”
Retire it during the farewell tour 🔥
— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) July 22, 2025
The post quickly gained traction, with fans and analysts echoing Young’s sentiment. And for good reason. Paul’s tenure with the Clippers wasn’t just statistically impressive, it was transformative. He helped redefine the franchise’s identity, turning a perennial punchline into a playoff mainstay during the “Lob City” era alongside Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan. Paul made five All-Star appearances, led the league in assists twice, and became the franchise’s all-time leader in assists with 4,023.
Despite never advancing past the second round with the Clippers, Paul’s impact went beyond wins and losses. He brought credibility, leadership, and a competitive edge that elevated the team’s national profile. Before his arrival, the Clippers had made the playoffs just seven times in 40 years. During his six seasons, they made it five times.
Now 40 years old, Paul returns to a Clippers roster stacked with veterans like Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, Bradley Beal, and Brook Lopez. He’s expected to play a limited role, possibly coming off the bench behind Harden and Kris Dunn.
Interestingly, the Clippers have never retired a jersey number in franchise history. If they were to honor Paul, he would become the first. The only number currently unavailable is No. 6, retired league-wide in honor of Bill Russell.
Adding to the emotional weight of Paul’s return, Bradley Beal voluntarily gave up No. 3, a number he’s worn his entire career, to allow Paul to reclaim it. It was a gesture of respect, and a quiet acknowledgment of Paul’s legacy.
