Chris Paul’s Exit Amplifies Turmoil as Clippers Slide
clippers-issues-paul-bogdanovic-leonard
Chris Paul is no longer with the Los Angeles Clippers after the franchise announced Wednesday it was cutting ties with the 40-year-old point guard, a decision that arrived less than two weeks after the 11-time All-NBA selection revealed 2025/26 will be his final season.
Appearing Friday on Amazon Prime Video, NBA insider Chris Haynes said a months-long series of tense conversations preceded the split. According to Haynes, team executives believed Paul had been criticizing the coaching staff, front office and teammates. Roughly a month ago, president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank confronted Paul, who “vehemently denied” the accusations but later apologized to teammates if his comments had been misinterpreted.
Haynes added that Paul asked Frank to arrange a meeting with head coach Tyronn Lue—communication that reportedly never happened because Lue declined. Andscape’s Marc J. Spears reported Thursday that Paul still hopes to play this season. In a text to Haynes, Paul wrote, “I’m just staying ready… I don’t know what’s next… I’m still scarred by it all… But I’m staying ready.”
Injury Updates and Roster Notes
Bogdan Bogdanovic: The veteran wing is listed as probable for Saturday’s game in Minnesota after sitting out eight contests with a left hip contusion. His return would bolster a Clippers offense already missing Bradley Beal, who is out for the season with a fractured hip.
Kawhi Leonard: Leonard does not appear on Friday’s injury report, and The Athletic’s Law Murray reports the star forward is expected to play both ends of back-to-backs when healthy. Leonard is averaging 25.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 2.0 steals while shooting .494/.385/.971 over 13 games.
Team Struggles Continue
Los Angeles has dropped nine of its past 11 outings after Friday’s loss in Memphis. The Clippers produced only two points over the final six-plus minutes and surrendered a closing 9-0 run, turning a tight matchup into a nine-point defeat.
Source: Hoops Rumors
