The Athletic NBA

The Clippers finished last season as the second-oldest team in the NBA, with a roster toting an average age of 27.7. Among their offseason moves: re-signing James Harden (turning 36 next season) and adding Chris Paul (40), Brook Lopez (37) and Bradley Beal (32). H/T @spotrac

There were whispers in league circles about LeBron James having eyes for Dallas before he eventually opted into the final year of his Lakers deal, writes @johnhollinger. James wasn’t willing to leave $52 million on the table to take a nontaxpayer MLE or something similar from…

Chris Paul previously spent 2011-17 with the Clippers, making an All-NBA team in all six seasons. Now, he returns. nytimes.com/athletic/65065…

Three weeks ago @TheAthletic Broke down how Chris Paul would make sense for the LA Clippers. That was before the team basically made moves that made it clear that CP3 would have to understand the role available. CP3 is on a one-year minimum

NEWS: Chris Paul has agreed to a one-year deal to return to the Clippers, a source tells @LawMurraytheNU. He's back.

By hijacking a WNBA tentpole event, Caitlin Clark, Sabrina Ionescu and the rest of the league's star players expressed that they will not settle. They can’t afford to do anything less.

JUST IN: Marcus Smart is expected to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers as he is close to a buyout with the Washington Wizards, a league source confirms to @davidaldridgedc.

Derrick Rose is eager to shine a light on the NBA’s secret obsession – chess ♟️ Last weekend, grandmasters paired with both former and current NBA players competed in Chesstival, a chess tournament hosted by Rose. More on Rose’s passion and investment: nytimes.com/athletic/64992…

New Orleans Pelicans rookie Derik Queen, who was part of a draft-night trade with the Atlanta Hawks, underwent wrist surgery Friday and will be re-evaluated in 12 weeks. 🔗 nytimes.com/athletic/65028…

Damian Lillard has agreed to a three-year, $45 million contract to return to the Portland Trail Blazers, a league source confirmed to The Athletic on Thursday. 🔗 nytimes.com/athletic/65009…

Good morning! The Pulse: 🏈 Unproven Superstars: The difficult hype of Arch Manning ⛳ The Open Championship is underway 🏀 Bradley Beal is joining the Clippers Here is your daily sports newsletter: nytimes.com/athletic/64981…

The LA Clippers this offseason: ◽️ Plan on signing Bradley Beal ◽️ Signed Brook Lopez ◽️ Traded for John Collins Do they finally have the roster to make a title run?

Beal is giving back $13.8 million to complete the buyout, league source tells @TheAthletic. He had $110.8 million and two years remaining on his contract.

BREAKING: Bradley Beal plans on signing with the LA Clippers as he agrees to a buyout with the Phoenix Suns, a league source tells @FredKatz.

Shaquille O’Neal is tired of seeing Robert Griffin III post about Angel Reese. Shaq said if RGIII continues “messing with her,” he would punch Griffin in the face. Read: nytimes.com/athletic/64975…