In an unexpected announcement early Wednesday, the Los Angeles Clippers confirmed they are letting go of veteran point guard Chris Paul. Just a couple of weeks ago, Paul suggested that this might be his final season in the NBA, and around 3 a.m. he shared on social media that the team intended to send him home before their game against the Atlanta Hawks.
Paul posted, “I just found out I’m going to be sent home,” along with a peace emoji, on his Instagram Story. Clippers executive Lawrence Frank later affirmed the decision to part ways with Paul, who had signed a $3.6 million deal to return to the franchise.
Frank stated, “We are parting ways with Chris, and he will no longer be part of the team. We look forward to working with him on the next steps in his career. Chris is a legendary Clipper who had a historic career.”
This marks Paul’s 21st season in the NBA, and there had been speculation recently about his impending retirement. His own social media post hinted at gratitude for the journey, stating, “What an amazing ride… so much more left… so thankful for the last season!”
Despite some initial hopes, the Clippers have struggled this season, with only 5 wins and 16 losses. Public confidence in their ability to contend for a championship quickly faded. Paul, a future Hall of Famer, is currently averaging just 2.6 points and 3.3 assists per game while playing 14.3 minutes each night.
Lawrence Frank emphasized that the team does not hold Paul responsible for their tough start, saying, “Let’s make one thing clear: No one is blaming Chris for our poor performance. We accept responsibility for our current situation. There are many reasons for our struggles, and we value the impact Chris has had on the team.”
As the Clippers get ready for their matchup against Atlanta, they’re still trying to navigate a challenging season.
