Clippers Move On From Chris Paul After Locker-Room Rift
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The Los Angeles Clippers have ended Chris Paul’s brief second stint with the franchise after weeks of internal friction, multiple outlets reported.
Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times wrote that the organization sent the 38-year-old guard home during a road trip to Atlanta and decided he will not suit up for the team again. According to the report, Paul publicly criticized teammates, the coaching staff and president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank. Although Paul later apologized, a team source told Turner that the relationship had already deteriorated beyond repair.
Further details surfaced from other reporters. ESPN’s Shams Charania noted that head coach Tyronn Lue and Paul had not spoken for several weeks. TNT’s Chris Haynes added that Paul requested a meeting to address concerns about his influence in the locker room, but Lue declined.
The Clippers issued a statement in which Frank praised Paul’s career and accepted responsibility for the club’s 5-16 start. Frank said the front office would collaborate with the veteran guard to determine his next move.
Those options include a trade after December 15, a negotiated buyout, or an outright release that would leave Los Angeles on the hook for Paul’s $3.6 million salary. A source told Turner that Paul’s age and assertive presence could make other teams wary of adding him.
Paul averaged 2.9 points and 3.3 assists over 16 games this season. He fell out of the rotation before injuries forced the Clippers to return him to the floor.
Source: Hoops Wire
