The Los Angeles Clippers’ abrupt decision to part ways with veteran point guard Chris Paul early Wednesday morning stunned the entire NBA world.

While subsequent reports suggested that Paul may have worn out his welcome in LA, Clippers stars Kawhi Leonard and James Harden were just as caught off guard as everyone else.

Kawhi Leonard and James Harden Respond to Chris Paul’s Sudden Departure From Clippers

In the wee hours of Wednesday morning, news broke that LA had sent Paul home midway through its five-game road trip, just 16 games into the 12-time All-Star’s second stint with the franchise. The shocking decision came despite Paul carrying out his farewell tour, having announced his intention to retire at the end of his 21st season.

Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank promptly confirmed the organization’s bold move, vowing to “work with [Paul] on the next step of his career.” Frank also absolved the struggling 40-year-old of any blame for LA’s disappointing 5-16 start, lauding him as “a legendary Clipper who has had a historic career.”

However, follow-up reports painted a different picture, with The Athletic reporting on Wednesday that some within the team took exception to the outspoken playmaker’s “locker room lawyering.”

In the wake of Paul’s sudden departure, LA blew out the Atlanta Hawks 115-92 on Wednesday evening, snapping its five-game losing streak. After the much-needed victory, Harden and Leonard set the record straight on their involvement in Paul’s unexpected exit.

“Me too. Woke up and saw it on social media,” Harden said when told the news was a “surprise to most.” “I’m just as confused and shocked as you guys, the world. … Definitely surprised me, but not just Chris. It’s a lot we were dealing with, but that’s out of my hands.”

“It was shocking to me. I guess they had a conversation and the front office made a decision,” Leonard added, citing his and Paul’s efforts to turn their season around.

Harden and Leonard combined for 48 points as the Clippers led the Hawks nearly wire-to-wire in one of their best performances of the season. Still, they are far from out of the woods, sitting 13th in the Western Conference (6-16) with numerous questions surrounding their aging, injury-prone roster.

LA will look to build on Wednesday’s strong showing in Friday’s road clash against the Memphis Grizzlies (9-13) and leave its early-season woes in the rearview as it moves forward without one of its most esteemed players.