Clippers Stars Reportedly Grew Tired of Chris Paul’s Constant Criticism
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Los Angeles Clippers standouts Kawhi Leonard and James Harden became increasingly frustrated with veteran guard Chris Paul before the organization sent Paul home earlier this week, according to a report from Ashish Mathur of Dallas Hoops Journal.
Sources cited by Mathur said Paul repeatedly criticized teammates, coaches and front-office personnel during the opening weeks of the season, creating tension throughout the franchise. Leonard, initially receptive because of Paul’s résumé, eventually viewed the commentary as persistent nagging, the report noted.
Harden, who spent two seasons alongside Paul with the Houston Rockets, was skeptical from the beginning. Mathur reported that the Clippers consulted Harden over the summer about bringing Paul aboard, but the former MVP expressed reservations due to their uneven partnership in Houston. Harden ultimately pushed the Rockets to trade Paul in 2019, preferring to reunite with Russell Westbrook.
Although Leonard and Harden publicly said they were surprised when the Clippers removed Paul from the team, both players were aware the decision was imminent and supported it, sources told Mathur.
Paul appeared in 16 games this season, averaging 2.9 points, 1.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists while shooting 32.1 percent from the field. He is ineligible to be traded until December 15; an earlier departure would require Los Angeles to waive him or negotiate a buyout of his $3.6 million contract.
Source: Hoops Wire
