Two days ago, the Los Angeles Clippers decided to part ways with Chris Paul—just ten days after it became public that the veteran point guard plans to retire at the end of the 2025–26 season.
The move stunned everyone, including the franchise’s stars James Harden and Kawhi Leonard, who expressed disbelief over the decision.
“I’m just as confused and surprised as you are—as everyone is,” Harden said.
“It definitely caught me off guard. But it wasn’t just Chris; we were dealing with a lot. Still, that’s out of my control. I have to focus on what I need to focus on and on what I can control. I guess management felt it was the best decision for the organization,” the former MVP continued.
Leonard echoed Harden’s reaction, saying he had to reread the news before it sank in: “It shocked me. I guess they had a conversation and the front office made its decision.”
Chris Paul
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Reason for the split
According to ESPN reporter Shams Charania, the decision was heavily influenced by the fact that Chris Paul and head coach Ty Lue were no longer speaking to each other.
For now, the Clippers and Paul remain in a holding pattern, despite the point guard being sent away from the team. Paul signed a one-year, $3.6 million deal in July and cannot be traded until at least December 15.
Cutting him outright is also complicated. The Clippers are just $1.3 million below the first apron and cannot exceed it in any transaction. Under league rules, a team cannot carry fewer than 14 players for 14 consecutive days.
The franchise and the veteran guard could explore a buyout of his remaining salary, although that would require another team to have an open roster spot to sign him.
Of the 10 teams currently with a roster opening, only the Hawks are not restricted by the first-apron limitations, making them—at least for now—Paul’s only realistic landing spot.