Clippers part with Chris Paul in overnight surprise

Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News on Dec 3, 2025

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Chris Paul’s second stint with the Los Angeles Clippers ended abruptly in the middle of the night.

The 40-year-old point guard is no longer a member of the Clippers, he announced at about 3 a.m. ET Wednesday, marking an unceremonious exit for one of the franchise’s forever faces.

“Just found out I’m being sent home,” Paul wrote in a post to his Instagram story.

Paul had not been on speaking terms with head coach Ty Lue, according to ESPN, which reported the team considered Paul a distraction as he spoke out to hold others accountable.

The sudden parting of ways was confirmed by president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank, who told ESPN in a statement that the Clippers would “work with him on the next step of his career.”

The surprising divorce occurred a little over 24 hours after the Clippers suffered their fifth consecutive loss, dropping them to 5-16 — tied for the second-worst record in the Western Conference.

Los Angeles had four games remaining on a five-game road trip when it made the decision.

“Chris is a legendary Clipper who has had a historic career,” Frank wrote. “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 signed a one-year, $3.6 million contract with the Clippers in July, then announced last month that this would be his final season.

In 16 appearances off the bench, Paul averaged 2.9 points and 3.3 assists in 14.3 minutes per game. He totaled eight points and three assists in 15 minutes in Monday night’s 140-123 loss in Miami.

His signing over the summer marked a reunion for Paul, who starred for the Clippers from 2011-17 during the best stretch in franchise history.

During that initial six-year stint with Los Angeles, Paul earned five All-Star selections and finished within the top seven of NBA MVP voting five times. The Clippers won at least 51 games in five of those seasons, including a franchise-record 57 in 2013-14.

Paul is the Clippers’ all-time leader in assists (4,076), assists per game (9.6) and win shares (78.2).

Over his 21-year career, Paul has also played for the New Orleans Hornets, Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs.

The 12-time All-Star has averaged 16.8 points and 9.2 assists per game for his career.