The tweet was short, but to the point.
“I’M IN!!! #CLIPPERNATION.” From Chris Paul’s keyboard to the Clippers’ ears, what had been widely anticipated appears to be true as the All-Star point guard is headed toward signing a five-year, $107 million contract to return to the team.
The free agent was wooed by Coach Doc Rivers Sunday night and made the Twitter announcement on Monday. Per NBA rules, deals can be struck but not officially signed until July 10.
Paul, the pillar of the foundation on the floor and in the locker room, now stands as a beacon for other free agents glancing in the Clippers’ direction. That also began in earnest as the free agency chase opened after midnight eastern time on Monday.
The Clippers have reportedly been in contact with former USC star O.J. Mayo, a player Rivers coveted when he coached the Celtics. The Clippers may also be pursuing guard Tony Allen of the Memphis Grizzlies.
With Mayo, the Clippers would added shooting help and with Allen, they would bolster their perimeter defense. Those are two of the shortcomings weaknesses the Clippers have vowed to shore up for next season.