The Los Angeles Clippers’ brief reunion with veteran guard Chris Paul is over, and forward Kawhi Leonard insists he had no influence on the decision to part ways.
Paul, 40, rejoined the franchise on a one-year, $3.63 million contract before the season. The partnership unraveled after just 16 games, with reports pointing to friction between Paul, assistant coach Jeff Van Gundy and head coach Tyronn Lue. Disagreement over Leonard’s usage during a Nov. 29 matchup against the Dallas Mavericks was cited as a key flashpoint.
Leonard dismissed any suggestion that he directed or accelerated Paul’s exit.
“Surprised at it,” Leonard told reporters, according to Sports Illustrated’s Joey Linn. “He’s always been a willing teammate when I’ve spoken to him. Our conversations have always been positive and team-forward. I didn’t have nothing to do with it.”
On the floor, Paul averaged 2.9 points, 3.3 assists and 1.8 rebounds while shooting 32.1 percent from the field in his second stint with the Clippers. The 12-time All-Star previously announced plans to retire after the season, and it remains uncertain whether he will appear in another NBA game before calling it a career.
Source: Hoops Wire
