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NBA Rumors: Doc Rivers says Chris Paul will stay with the Clippers

By Jake Goldstein-Street

April 25, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) passes the ball against Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20), forward Joe Ingles (2) and guard George Hill (3) during the first half in game five of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
April 25, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) passes the ball against Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20), forward Joe Ingles (2) and guard George Hill (3) during the first half in game five of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Los Angeles Clippers coach Doc Rivers reportedly expects point guard Chris Paul to stay in Los Angeles next season.

Clippers head coach Doc Rivers responded to rumors saying Chris Paul could leave Los Angeles for San Antonio. According to TMZ Sports, Rivers “absolutely” expects Paul to stay with the Clippers. However, it’s not set in stone that Rivers will remain with the Clippers. There have been rumblings inside the organization that he could be on his way out, per Marc Stein of ESPN.com.

Stein noted during the week that the Spurs were “exploring the feasibility” of acquiring the nine-time All-Star. The biggest obstacle for the Spurs in this case is cap space. They would have to make a number of moves to give him a max deal. The Clippers view the rumor as a “legitimate concern.”

Paul would be a great fit in San Antonio. With Tony Parker’s career winding down, Paul can lead the team as a point guard.

However, Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders reported the Clippers and their star point guard “verbally agreed” to a long-term contract in February. To sign this $200 million deal, Paul must opt out of his current contract. Additionally, in late April, Kevin Arnovitz of ESPN.com reported that the Clippers “expected” Paul to re-sign.

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Last season, Paul had an average year by his lofty standards. He averaged 18.1 points per game and 9.2 assists, after averaging a double-double in each of the previous three seasons. However, he still ranked ninth in Player Efficiency Rating in the NBA.

This offseason could become a disastrous one for the Clippers. If Paul left Los Angeles for San Antonio, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Blake Griffin opted out of his contract as well. In that case, he would become an unrestricted free agent.

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