[Murray / The Athletic] The decision was not Paul’s, and not one that was initiated by Paul… Before the team’s road trip, Paul posted a screenshot on Instagram of the Oxford English Dictionary definition of the word “leeway,” suggesting that a lack of accountability was an issue with the Clippers.
In what is the latest low in a season of woe, the LA Clippers announced early Wednesday morning that they will part ways with point guard Chris Paul, who last month announced that this will be his last season before he retires.
The Clippers are in Atlanta, where they are set to visit the Hawks Wednesday night after a blowout loss Monday to the Miami Heat that dropped their record to 5-16. Paul signified at 2:40 a.m. ET that the Clippers were letting him go, posting on his Instagram stories account: “Just Found Out I’m Being Sent Home” with a peace emoji.
The decision was not Paul’s, and not one that was initiated by Paul, according to league sources.
Before the team’s road trip, Paul posted a screenshot on Instagram of the Oxford English Dictionary definition of the word “leeway,” suggesting that a lack of accountability was an issue with the Clippers.
The Clippers have a history of less-than-ideal partings with veteran players. In early February 2022, the Clippers traded Eric Bledsoe after half a season; Bledsoe never played in another NBA game. In 2023, the Clippers traded point guard John Wall at the February trade deadline; Wall never played another NBA game. In the 2024 offseason, the Clippers traded Russell Westbrook despite Westbrook picking up his player option and stating that he wished to continue his career in his hometown. And in the 2024 preseason, the Clippers sent veteran forward PJ Tucker home, with Tucker was later traded in February.
Now, Paul joins former teammate Blake Griffin as the latest great Clipper to leave the team in the middle of the season. Griffin was traded to Detroit in Jan. 2018, months after signing a contract extension following Paul’s first departure from the franchise.
When Paul checked into the game in Charlotte, he was greeted with an ovation by the Hornets crowd. Paul wound up making his first shot of the game, a 3-pointer. It wound up being the last win Paul was a part of with the Clippers, as LA is on a five-game losing streak.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6857787/2025/12/03/clippers-chris-paul-sent-home/