Chris Paul: Clippers Release| Sent home| Fired| Wiki| Contract

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Latest Update: Release & Sent Home

On December 3, 2025, the Los Angeles Clippers (Clippers) stunned the NBA world by abruptly parting ways with veteran guard Chris Paul. The separation took place in the middle of a road trip, with Paul reportedly being sent home from Atlanta ahead of a game against the Hawks.
Paul himself posted on social media in the early hours (~3 a.m. ET): “Just Found Out I’m Being Sent Home ”.
The Clippers’ president of basketball operations, Lawrence Frank, confirmed the move, saying: “We are parting ways with Chris and he will no longer be with the team.” He added that no one was blaming Paul for the team’s underperformance, and the organization remains grateful for his historic contributions.

Paul re-joined the Clippers in July 2025 on a one-year contract worth US$3.6 million.
The return was supposed to mark a sentimental final NBA season, allowing one of the franchise’s greatest players to finish his career in Los Angeles.
The Clippers envisioned Paul contributing as a veteran reserve, providing playmaking depth behind their star-led rotation (which included players like Kawhi Leonard and James Harden).

In the 2025–26 season with L.A., Paul’s numbers had dropped considerably: he averaged about 2.9 points, 1.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game, playing roughly 14.2–14.3 minutes per game — all career lows.
The team itself struggled early: the Clippers started the season 5–16 and were on a five-game losing streak when the decision to release Paul was made.
According to some reports, internal tension played a role. Sources claimed Paul had been critical of teammates, coaches, and even front-office decisions — so much so that his reportedly blunt honesty and demands for accountability may have “broke the camel’s back.”

Chris Paul is widely regarded as one of the greatest point guards of his generation and a future Hall of Famer: a 12-time All-Star, four-time First Team All-NBA selection, and among the NBA all-time leaders in assists and steals.
His first stint with the Clippers (2011–2017) helped define the “Lob City” era, during which the franchise enjoyed several of its most successful regular-seasons, multiple playoff appearances, and its first two Pacific Division titles.
Off the Clippers, Paul has had a 20+ year NBA career with stints at multiple teams, bringing leadership, elite court vision, and competitive fire wherever he played.

The move appears to have been partly performance-driven: Paul’s diminished on-court output and limited minutes made him less central to the Clippers’ rotation — especially on a team aiming for a championship.
But beyond statistics, many insiders and former players suggest locker-room friction and internal conflicts contributed. For example, a former Clipper alleged Paul’s “brutal honesty” about players, coaches, and management turned him into a target.
Others highlight the optics and timing of the release — in the middle of the night, during a road trip — as a reflection of broader dysfunction within the franchise this season.

Following the release, Clippers management suggested they may attempt to trade Paul or find a suitable arrangement for the remainder of his contract.
Given his age (40) and diminished role, many analysts wonder whether this marks the true end of his legendary career — a premature exit from the team he planned to retire with.
Regardless, Paul’s legacy remains intact: whether he plays elsewhere for a final run, retires, or pursues off-court opportunities, he will be remembered as one of the all-time great point guards, and a franchise legend for the Clippers.

The decision triggered widespread shock across the NBA community: fans, former players and analysts questioned the timing and respect — many argued this was not how you send off a future Hall-of-Famer.
Some former teammates and observers blamed internal turmoil and mismanagement, suggesting that the franchise’s current trajectory — despite a star-laden roster — is deeply troubled.
For the Clippers, this move marks a clear turning point: a symbolic — and practical — admission that their 2025-26 aspirations are falling apart. Whether they rebuild around youth, attempt a quick fix, or pursue a full reset remains to be seen.

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