Alex Kennedy's post on Basketball | Latest updates on Sulia

Chris Paul is an unrestricted free agent next summer. However, all signs point to Paul staying with the Clippers:

Over the next several months, there will be plenty of speculation about Chris Paul and his upcoming free agency. While the superstar point guard could choose to leave the Los Angeles Clippers next summer, it seems unlikely at this point. Paul seems committed to the Clippers and he’s going about his business as if he expects to be in Los Angeles for years to come. Paul aggressively recruited for the Clippers this offseason, contacting free agents and attempting to sell them on the situation. His pitch was convincing, with talk about the promising future in Los Angeles and opportunity to compete for a championship. Paul’s recruiting pitch was instrumental in the team signing Jamal Crawford among other free agents, according to sources close to the situation. Most players who are planning to leave a team have one foot out the door as free agency looms. Paul, on the other hand, was working the phones and planning face-to-face meetings with potential teammates. Not only did Paul play a huge role in the Clippers’ pursuit of free agents, he spent the offseason working with several of Los Angeles’ prospects. Paul trained with Eric Bledsoe, Travis Leslie and Trey Tompkins in Los Angeles, pushing the three young players every day. Paul took Bledsoe, Leslie and Thompkins under his wing, pushing them to improve all aspects of their game and encouraging them as they continue their development. He also spent a considerable amount of time bonding with his teammates, hanging out with them in Los Angeles and flying several of them (including Leslie and Thompkins) to Las Vegas, where he hosted several parties. He also organized offseason workouts and many Clippers participated. Recruiting free agents, developing young talent and bonding with teammates aren’t responsibilities that a departing superstar usually takes on if his days with a franchise are numbered. Paul loves Los Angeles and has been impressed with the Clippers organization. If his actions this offseason were any indication, it seems unlikely that his stint in Los Angeles is coming to an end anytime soon.

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