Despite expressing deep interest in bringing back the tandem of Chris Paul and Blake Griffin, the L.A. Clippers have expressed true concern about their All-Star point guard leaving for Western Conference contender San Antonio Spurs, according to a report by Marc Stein of ESPN.

The Spurs currently lack the space to sign a player like Paul, who is likely looking for the last long-term deal of his career.

A nine-time NBA All-Star, Paul had yet another consistent season for the Clippers, averaging 18.1 points, 9.2 assists and 2.0 steals per game through the 2016-17 campaign.

His team once again fell short of making a deep playoff run, losing a crucial Game 7 against the Utah Jazz in the first round.

Paul has once again failed to get out of the second round of the playoffs for the seventh consecutive season and could look to try a different formula, even if it means taking less money in the process.

The Spurs would have to shed a multitude of contracts in order to acquire Paul this offseason, likely saying goodbye to longtime Spur Manu Ginobili, an aging Pau Gasol, and even exploring a potential out for big man LaMarcus Aldridge, who has failed to have the impact he was favored to have two years ago upon his signing.

If successful, the pairing of a feisty, yet cerebral point guard like Paul along with a healthy Kawhi Leonard would prove a deadly combination for San Antonio, one that GM R.C. Buford would salivate to think about.