Veteran point guard Chris Paul was told to leave the Los Angeles Clippers after a series of disputes that reached every layer of the organization, according to multiple reports.
Insiders told ESPN’s Shams Charania that Paul’s outspoken leadership style became a point of contention during the team’s 5-16 slide, with the 12-time All-Star repeatedly challenging players, coaches and front-office personnel. Former Clippers guard Lou Williams echoed that account on FanDuel’s “Run It Back,” saying Paul aimed to raise standards throughout the franchise and voiced criticism of front-office decisions.
The friction escalated at the top. Charania reported that Paul and head coach Tyronn Lue had not spoken for several weeks. TNT’s Chris Haynes added that Paul requested a meeting to address claims he was a negative influence, but Lue declined the sit-down.
Hours after Lue rejected the meeting, the Clippers released a statement announcing they were parting ways with Paul. The guard later posted on Instagram, “Just found out I’m being sent home,” followed by a peace-sign emoji, indicating he was blindsided by the move.
Team president Lawrence Frank publicly praised Paul as a “legendary Clipper” and said no single player was being blamed for the team’s collapse. Several outlets, however, confirmed the decision originated with the organization, not the player.
Paul averaged 2.9 points and 3.3 assists in 14.3 minutes over 14 games this season. He fell out of the rotation before returning because of injuries elsewhere on the roster. Due to salary-cap constraints, the Clippers are not expected to waive him immediately; he becomes trade-eligible on Dec. 15.
Source: Hoops Wire
