The Los Angeles Clippers expected this season to be challenging, but few imagined it would involve internal doubts about Chris Paul before he even settled in. When the veteran point guard returned for a second stint with the franchise, it sparked a wave of nostalgia around the league.
After all, Paul is one of the best floor generals in NBA history and a key figure of the Clippers’ most iconic era.
Hawks fans chanting “Where’s Chris Paul?” at Clippers
Yet from the beginning, the atmosphere felt delicate. This version of the Clippers is older, more crowded in terms of leadership, and struggling to perform. According to Basketball Reference, their 6-16 record puts them near the bottom of the Western Conference. Expectations entering the season were far higher.
Amid this rocky backdrop, a key detail emerged that changed the lens through which the entire move is now viewed.
We are parting ways with Chris and he will no longer be with the team. 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
Harden’s skepticism surfaced early
On The Kevin O’Connor Show, Yahoo Sports insider Kevin O’Connor explained that James Harden was not excited about the idea of adding Chris Paul. O’Connor said Harden was “opposed” to the move and wasn’t convinced Paul would fit with the current roster dynamic. That hesitation lingered inside the organization as the season began.
The story gained urgency on Wednesday morning when Paul posted on Instagram that he had been “sent home.” Hours later, Clippers president Lawrence Frank confirmed that the team was parting ways with Paul after just 16 games, praising his career and accepting responsibility for the team’s struggles.
While the decision seemed abrupt to fans, it had been brewing internally. Reporting from The Athletic’s Sam Amick, Law Murray and Joe Vardon described a coaching staff “at wit’s end” with Paul’s tone and players who didn’t connect with his leadership style. Given that Paul played only 14.3 minutes per game and averaged just 2.9 points, his voice outweighed his on-court impact.
The problem was no longer just performance. It was chemistry
Midway through the season, the Clippers faced a tough choice. Sticking with a veteran whose communication style wasn’t landing or making a change that shifted responsibility back toward the team’s stars. They chose the latter.
Harden and Kawhi Leonard now carry the load as the Clippers attempt to salvage a season that is slipping away. The move doesn’t guarantee a turnaround, but it marks a clear reset in both leadership and direction for a franchise fighting to stay relevant in the Western playoff race.
With Paul’s future now open and the Clippers searching for stability, this chapter closes just as quickly as it began.
