It has been months since Chris Paul was abruptly let go by the Los Angeles Clippers in what would have been his farewell season. Rumors swirled in the meantime, and the “Point God”, who announced retirement five days ago, is finally addressing them.
The Clippers reportedly released CP3 due to his strained relationship with teammates and head coach Tyronn Lue. This was during the time when they went 5-16.
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According to Shams Charania of ESPN, Paul’s leadership style — particularly his approach to holding teammates accountable — had become disruptive.
Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank said the decision was not made hastily. He explained that the organization held multiple meetings with Paul and that the situation remained fluid throughout the process.
Chris Paul interacts with Kawhi Leonard and others during LA Clippers gameD. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images
(D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images)
Additional rumors quickly piled up. Reporter Ramona Shelburne claimed that Paul attempted to build team chemistry by hosting a Halloween party at his home, but only three teammates attended.
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There were also suggestions that he was a negative presence in the locker room, and Paul acknowledged being aware of those claims. However, he said he does not understand how the narrative escalated, especially since he was told he had been brought in for his leadership.
“If I was that bad, why am I talking with Kawhi? I hit T-Lue like, I would love to finish my career here. [Lawrence] Frank, I hit him, and he said the same thing,” Paul said during an appearance in Carmelo Anthony’s 7PM in Brooklyn podcast.
“Earlier in the season, Lawrence Frank sent me an article on how great my leadership was. An article I had never seen, he texted it to me saying, ‘Man, this is great leadership right here.’ I was extremely grateful, and you saw I was emotional when I went back. I knew it was gonna be my last year, and I was getting to play in front of my family.”
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Paul’s departure from the Clippers is one of the most shocking stories of the season. Several players spoke about it during NBA All-Star Weekend, including Donovan Mitchell and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Both expressed the opinion that Paul should not have exited that way, given his contributions not only to the Clippers but to the game as a whole.
Related: LeBron James Reacts to Chris Paul’s Retirement After Raptors’ Release Decision
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 18, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.