Future Hall of Famer Chris Paul was sent packing by the Clippers in his farewell season, and there seemed to be more to the story.
Los Angels coach Tyronn Lue and Paul did not seen eye to eye for weeks before the point guard’s stunning release Wednesday, ESPN reported, adding that Paul was attempting to hold players accountable for the poor results this season,.
“It just didn’t work out like we thought it would. I just think it wasn’t a good fit for what he was looking for. It is what it is,” Lue told reporters, adding that it was an organizational decision.
“Do I want to see CP go out like this? No. I have a lot of respect for him. He’s been a friend of mine over the years. You never wanna see a great go out like this. But I’m pretty sure he will find something, because he’s a great player. … I didn’t wanna see it end like this.”
It appears that Lue had some say in the decision to axe Paul, but Clippers President Lawrence Frank ultimately made the decision.
Chris Paul’s leadership style didn’t mesh with the lowly Clippers, according to coach Tyronn Lue. NBAE via Getty Images
Chris Haynes further reported that Paul attempted to meet with Clippers leadership to discuss the allegations that he was a negative presence on the team, but Lue refused.
Frank then flew to Atlanta to deliver the news to Paul that he was being cut loose.
Paul, who expected to retire at season’s end, came to the Clippers, where he spent six of his best seasons, in the hopes of competing for a title.
But that lofty goal has fallen by the wayside in a 5-16 season, with Los Angeles on track to be in the lottery.
Tyronn Lue said parting ways with the Clippers was an organizational decision. AP
Paul, now 40, is a shell of his once great self, having previously starred during the “Lob City” era in Los Angeles during the early 2010s.
He averaged just 2.9 points, 3.3 assists, and 1.8 rebounds across 14.3 minutes in 16 games.
It remains unclear whether Paul will get a second chance at a farewell season with another team looking for a veteran presence off the bench.
The Post’s Stefan Bondy previously reported that the Knicks had interest in Paul this offseason.