Chris Paul: VS Jazz | Preseason Stats | Team | Age | Contract
When you talk about point-guard royalty in the NBA, few names command as much respect as Chris Paul. With a career spanning two decades, Paul has been a model of consistency, leadership and elite playmaking. In this deep-dive article we’ll explore his matchup history vs. the Utah Jazz, his preseason statistics, current team situation, age and contract details—giving a comprehensive view of where Paul stands and what he brings to the court today.
Early Career & Rise to Stardom
Chris Paul was born on May 6, 1985 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He played college basketball at Wake Forest Demon Deacons, where he quickly made his mark before entering the NBA as the 4th overall pick in the 2005 draft.
Standing around 6’0″, Paul defied height expectations for a point guard by combining elite court vision, leadership and competitive fire. He soon earned the nickname “CP3” and became widely regarded as one of the best passers and floor generals in the league.
Over his career, Paul has accumulated multiple All-Star selections and All-NBA honors, and though a championship has evaded him as of now, his legacy is built on consistency, clutch performances and making teammates better.
Age & Career Longevity
As of 2025, Chris Paul is 40 years old (born 1985). In NBA terms, playing into his 40th year is a testament to his durability, conditioning and on-court intelligence. Many players fade or retire by this age, but Paul continues to perform, albeit perhaps in a more managed role than his prime years.
His longevity is also a strategic advantage: his experience means he can read offenses, manage game tempo, help younger teammates and maintain relevance even as athleticism naturally declines. It’s not just about points and assists, but about how he impacts the game in subtle ways.
Current Team & Role
In July 2025, Paul signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Clippers, marking a return to the franchise where he previously starred.
This move signals a final run at a championship and a chance to finish his career in a familiar environment. The Clippers, with their roster and ambition, offer Paul the chance to play meaningful minutes, mentor younger players, and contribute to team success.
Though his minutes and usage may be reduced compared to his peak years, his value remains high: leadership, decision-making, clutch experience, and a floor-general presence that few younger players fully replicate.
Contract Details
Paul’s contract for the 2025–26 season is a one-year deal worth approximately $3.634 million, fully guaranteed.
This contract reflects several factors:
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His age and approaching the end of his career
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His shift in role from high-volume star to veteran leader
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The team’s budgeting and championship window priorities
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His value being more intangible (leadership, experience) than purely statistical
Despite the modest (by NBA star standards) number, the contract allows Paul flexibility, team luxury their cap space, and him to pursue that elusive championship ring.
Preseason Stats & What They Show
Preseason numbers often don’t tell the full story, but they do give glimpses of form, fitness and role adjustment. For Paul, his recent preseason data show how he’s adapting:
From the advanced preseason stats:
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2024-25 preseason with San Antonio Spurs: 3 games, 25.0 minutes, 14.6 points per game, 5.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists.
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2023-24 preseason with Golden State Warriors: 4 games, 20.3 minutes, 17.3 points.
These numbers highlight that even in limited minutes, Paul remains capable of impact. His scoring drops compared to peak years, but his playmaking, decision making and leadership remain at a high level.
Preseason might not reflect regular-season intensity, but for veterans like Paul it’s a chance to show readiness, chemistry with teammates, and ability to execute under controlled conditions. Chris Paul preseason stats.
Head-to-Head: Chris Paul vs. the Utah Jazz
When you dig into matchups, Paul has a notable recent history against the Jazz. According to one source, in the 2024-25 season Paul averaged:
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12.3 points per game
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8.3 assists
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3.8 rebounds
in 4 games vs. Utah.
Here are some takeaways from those numbers:
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Playmaking Still Strong – 8.3 assists is an excellent number, especially against a disciplined defensive team like Utah.
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Scoring Down, But Efficient – 12.3 points isn’t his peak, but context matters: reduced minutes, role shift and matchup.
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Rebounding & Defensive Value – 3.8 rebounds show that he still contributes beyond passing and scoring.
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Matchup Insight – Facing Utah’s defensive system, Paul’s experience allows him to navigate pick-and-rolls, make quick decisions and limit turnovers.
In short: while not dominating stats, Paul remains highly effective against the Jazz, which suggests he still brings value in key matchups and veteran-leadership scenarios.
Why His Role Matters in 2025
At 40 years old, Paul’s game has evolved. Here’s what makes him valuable now:
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Leadership & Mentorship: Younger players look to him for guidance. His presence lifts team culture.
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Game Management: Teams trust him to run late-game sets, manage tempo, and reduce mistakes.
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Matchup Intelligence: He knows where on the floor to be, when to push pace, when to slow it down.
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Reduced Wear & Tear: Fewer minutes, more selective usage means he can still contribute big in moments.
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Championship Aspirations: With his return to the Clippers, everything seems aligned for one last push.
While fans may miss the explosive scoring of his younger years, the version of Chris Paul we see today is a smarter, more efficient version—still deadly in the right context. Chris Paul preseason stats.
Legacy and What’s Next
Paul’s legacy is already cemented: a 12-time All-Star, one of the best passing guards of his era, and a model of consistency. The missing piece: an NBA championship. With his move back to the Clippers, there is a strong narrative of “last dance” and finishing where he made his biggest mark.
What’s next for him?
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Aiming for a title run and finishing on his terms
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Helping groom the next generation while still contributing meaningfully
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Possibly transitioning into a post-playing career (broadcasting, coaching, front office)
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Cementing his “point-guard GOAT” credentials among future generations
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How old is Chris Paul?
A1: Chris Paul was born on May 6, 1985, making him 40 years old as of 2025.
Q2: What team does Chris Paul play for currently?
A2: As of the 2025-26 season, Paul is signed with the Los Angeles Clippers on a one-year deal.
Q3: What is Chris Paul’s contract value for 2025-26?
A3: His contract is approximately $3.634 million, fully guaranteed for one year.
Q4: How has Chris Paul performed in preseason matches recently?
A4: In recent preseasons, Paul averaged around 14-17 points per game in limited minutes, showcasing he remains effective though his role has changed.
Q5: What is Chris Paul’s record or performance vs. the Utah Jazz?
A5: In the 2024-25 season, Paul averaged 12.3 points, 8.3 assists and 3.8 rebounds across 4 games vs. Utah.
Q6: Has Chris Paul ever won an NBA championship?
A6: As of now, no—he has not won an NBA title, which adds urgency to his current tenure with the Clippers.
Q7: What does Chris Paul bring to a team beyond scoring?
A7: He brings leadership, elite court vision, clutch decision-making, mentoring of younger players, and the ability to control game tempo. Chris Paul preseason stats.
Conclusion
Chris Paul’s career arc from rookie phenom to seasoned veteran is one of the most impressive in NBA history. As he enters his 40s and embarks on likely his final year with the Los Angeles Clippers, all eyes are on how he can leverage his experience, maintain productivity and attempt to fulfill the one element missing from his legacy: a championship.
His preseason stats, his head-to-head performance vs. the Utah Jazz and his current contract all point to a player who knows his role, values his minutes and remains a high-impact piece on the floor—even if he’s no longer the high-usage scoring machine he once was.
