Blake Griffin Shares Disappointment Over Chris Paul’s Departure

Blake Griffin didn’t hold back his feelings about Chris Paul’s surprising exit from the Clippers. During Amazon’s NBA coverage on Friday, he voiced his disappointment regarding the situation.

This week, reports surfaced that Paul was sent home after disagreements with head coach Ty Lue and his staff.

Now in his 21st season at 40 years old, Paul has made it known that he plans to retire after the 2025-26 season. His return to the Clippers is significant, as he is arguably the franchise’s greatest player.

Griffin, who was a key partner for Paul during their time on the Clippers from 2011 to 2017, shared his thoughts candidly on Prime Video, alongside Udonis Haslem, Candace Parker, and Taylor Rooks. “Honestly, I’m really disappointed. I can’t think of anything else to say,” he remarked. “Initially, I was shocked, but disappointment set in. I feel let down by both Chris and the Clippers organization.”

He added, “Chris Paul was instrumental in bringing a winning mentality to the Clippers. He showed us how to value each game and take care of our bodies. He’s been the same dedicated player for two decades, fixated on winning.”

Griffin expressed that Paul deserved a better farewell, noting, “Coming back to the Clippers should have been his moment, a chance to say, ‘Let’s do this one last time.’ It’s unfortunate he didn’t get to control how his career concludes with the team he chose.”

Currently, Paul is signed for the veteran minimum of $3.6 million this season, but his contract counts for only $2.3 million against the Clippers’ salary cap and is under trade restrictions until December 15.

Griffin also mentioned a concerning lack of communication from the team. “What Chris said resonates: he hasn’t heard from Ty Lue or team governor Steve Ballmer. That’s really disheartening.” He reflected on how deeply Paul’s time with the team impacted its identity, stating that this sudden conclusion feels like a betrayal.

As Paul contemplates his future moves amid this upheaval, Griffin’s sentiments serve as a reminder of the interconnectedness and struggles within the league.

In the meantime, the Clippers faced a tough loss against the Grizzlies, ending with a score of 107-98, and now sit at 6-17 for the season.