Chris Paul’s retirement tour just took an unexpected detour.
The Clippers announced at 3 am EST that Paul was no longer part of the team in a move that shocked the NBA world.
Paul confirmed the move on an Instagram Story saying the team had sent him home from Atlanta — where the Clippers were to play the Hawks — back to Los Angeles.
Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank confirmed the move to ESPN.
The Clippers are cutting ties with Chris Paul. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
“We are parting ways with Chris and he will no longer be with the team,” Frank told the network in a statement. “We will work with him on the next step of his career.
“Chris is a legendary Clipper who has had a historic career. I want to make one thing very clear. No one is blaming Chris for our underperformance. I accept responsibility for the record we have right now. There are a lot of reasons why we’ve struggled. We’re grateful for the impact Chris has made on the franchise.”
Paul, 40, announced last month that this would be his last NBA season.
Paul has appeared in 16 games for the Clippers, averaging 2.9 points and 3.3 assists.
It is an unexpected turn in what has been an abysmal season for the Clippers, who are 5-16 after many believed they could be contenders for a NBA championship with an experience-laden team led by Kawhi Leonard and James Harden.