Chris Paul was celebrated on his return to Los Angeles.It’s been eight years since Paul played for the Los Angeles franchise, and on Monday, he was back in a Clippers uniform.Chris Paul was seen getting emotional during his official Clippers introduction@LosAngelesClippersTo no surprise, Paul was handed the No.3 jersey during his introductory press conference inside a space that had nearly a thousand fans.Before Paul could say anything, those same fans began chanting “C-P-3!” as the 40-year-old was heralded on his return.Such chants sparked emotional scenes as Paul began tearing up and at one point put his hands to his eyes.“It was a no-brainer,” Paul said when asked about his reasons for coming back to the Clippers.“If I’m really honest, I wanted to get back and play here by any means necessary.”And it wasn’t just the fans inside Paul’s reintroductory event that were delighted with his comeback.What did James Harden say about Chris Paul’s Clippers return?James Harden wrote “CRACKIN!” in the comments of his former Houston Rockets teammate and long-time friend’s Clippers announcement.The pair’s relationship stretches back years, most famously when they nearly took the Rockets to the NBA Finals in 2015 and 2017.And they will certainly have the ambition to go one step further this time around with the Clippers, as Harden and Paul are considered two of the best players in NBA history to have never won a championship.Along with Paul’s arrival, the franchise is also welcoming Bradley Beal, Brook Lopez, and John Collins, making them an experienced team and, by extension, a potential championship contender.James Harden seemed delighted at his ex-teammate’s returnGETTYHarden and Paul have shared the court as teammates and opponentsGETTY“I’m just so excited about the moves that the team has made this offseason,” Paul said. “Brad coming to the team, Brook Lopez, all the young guys. I talked to James, I talked to Kawhi [Leonard], and I’m even more excited about what I think we have a chance to do.”Why did Chris Paul leave the Clippers?Paul’s exit from the Clippers in 2017 was born out of the desire to compete for a championship in Houston with Harden.The Clippers were also unwilling to commit to a long-term max contract for their point guard at the time, and so he was traded to the Rockets to avoid losing him for nothing as a free agent.Fast forward to 2025, Paul admitted that his exit from the Clippers at the time “wasn’t the prettiest thing” but he and owner Steve Ballmer have kept a cordial relationship.How long is Chris Paul’s contract with the Clippers?Paul agreed to a one-year, $3.6 million veteran’s minimum deal to play his 21st NBA season with the Clippers after leaving the San Antonio Spurs as a free agent this summer. However, the future Hall of Famer did not say whether this would be his final year in the NBA.“I am approaching [the season] with a lot of excitement, not necessarily what’s next,” he said on stage to the fans.“I’m just trying to be in it” — he made clear how comfortable he is with the group he is joining.Last season, Paul played all 82 games for the San Antonio Spurs, the first time he’s played every game in his career.He averaged 8.8 points on 42.75 shooting with 7.4 assists and 3.6 rebounds.Although it’s unlikely Paul will play such a major role this year with the Clippers give their vast array of options“My role on this team is obviously different from what it’s been the past 20 years, being in the NBA,” Paul added.“But showing up every day, if I can show some of the guys what it looks like every day to clock in and clock out, I’m excited for it.”