Paul returns to the Clippers and is sure to pass No. 3! Bill takes the initiative to give in to the number Harden s evaluation of CP3 is exposed

Lawrence Frank, president of Clippers basketball operations, said that the former core of the "Air-City" era will continue to be the only number he has passed in his 20-year career. Bill has also been wearing the No. 3 jersey during his NBA career (during the Washington Wizards and the Phoenix Suns). He offered to give this number to Paul, and his jersey number will be determined later.

"He wore the No. 3 jersey throughout his NBA career," Frank said of Bill on Tuesday. "He was selected for three All-Stars and scored more than 17,000 points in No. 3 jersey. But he also knows what this number means to Paul - the origin of the nickname 'CP3' is not to mention the special significance of Paul's return to the Clippers. So Bill offered to give the number to Paul."

"When Bill heard that Paul was likely to join, he said 'I want to give him the number'. I think Paul may not know about this. It's great that Bill can do such kindness."

40-year-old Paul played for the Clippers for six seasons from 2011 to 2017, and is still the team's record average assists and steals per game. But this time his role will be different.

After starting 1,314 games in 1,354 games in his career, attending 82 games for the Spurs last season and starting all of them, Paul's main role this time will be a substitute.

"Some nights Paul plays for a long time, some nights don't," Frank said. "Paul is very happy to be here and be a part of the team, help lead the team, play when needed."

"... Paul started 82 games last season and was very efficient. So when he was about to take on a different role, we didn't take it lightly. We had a lot of communication, putting all the questions on the table and letting everyone All can accept it with peace of mind. But in fact, Paul is eager to return, to his hometown, to join the Clippers - we obviously know his abilities, and also make sure that the role is reasonable for both sides." Before introducing Paul, the Clippers consulted James Harden, who had worked with Paul in Houston in 2017-18 and 2018-19, and Kawhi Leonard.

signed Paul to end the active offseason for the Clippers. The Clippers have reached a new two-year contract with Harden, signing Bill after he was bought out by the Suns, sending Norman Powell to Miami through a deal in exchange for power forward John Collins, and signing Brooke Lopez in the free market.

"They did talk," Frank said of Harden and Paul's reunion. "When they talked with Harden and Leonard, both of them thought Paul was the best candidate for the role. I think Harden was determined to win, and obviously he worked with Paul in Houston, and was only one step away from the Finals."

"When Harden talked about Paul, he mentioned that he had a top stadium vision, excellent leadership, extremely competitive strength, and his professionalism day after day. He thought Paul would be very suitable for this team."