Before we get too far into this, the big takeaway is that Chris Paul will be the starting point guard for the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2012-13 NBA season and will get to play for a full year with Chauncey Billups and new acquisition Jamal Crawford.
Paul opted in for the coming season before coming over in a trade from the New Orleans Hornets prior to the lockout-shortened 2011-12 season. So he's here no matter what. But he did pass on a recent three-year, $60 million extension offered to him by the Clippers.
Ramona Shelburne of ESPN Los Angeles explains that Paul may have a chance to pick up a five-year, $108 million extension next summer, which is obviously more appealing to him. Still, Paul is very excited about the team heading into the new season.
"I'm excited about our future. Bringing in Jamal (Crawford), and obviously getting Chauncey (Billups) back. Everybody knows how I feel about that. That was huge."
Paul stressed that he would wait until next summer to decide whether he wants to remain in Los Angeles for the long haul.
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