The Los Angeles Clippers shocked the NBA community last week when they sent veteran point guard Chris Paul home from Atlanta, where the Clippers were visiting for a road game against the Hawks.
Clippers Parted Ways With Chris Paul
The Clippers released Paul just 16 games into the 12-time All-Star’s second stint with the organization. Paul rejoined Los Angeles during the offseason on a one-year, $3.6 million deal.
Clippers basketball president Lawrence Frank issued a statement confirming the decision:
“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,” Frank said in the statement.
“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.”
Bucks, Knicks, Mavericks, Suns Wanted Paul
Paul, who turns 41 in May, had planned to finish his career with the franchise he spent six seasons with from 2011 to 2017. The future Hall of Famer is the Clippers’ franchise leader in assists (4,076) and steals per game (2.1).
However, four other teams were interested in signing Paul over the summer.
“League sources say Chris Paul had interest from teams such as the Bucks, Knicks, Mavericks and Suns, but he was determined to stay as near to his family as possible even after playing (and starting) all 82 games in his lone season as a San Antonio Spur,” wrote NBA insider Jake Fischer of The Stein Line.
It’s unclear which team Paul will play for next, but he’s still putting his family first before everything else. That means he could remain in L.A., which is leading fans to speculate that he’ll sign with the Lakers in January.
“Stuff’s been a little crazy in the past few days — to say the least,” Paul told People.com in an interview published Tuesday. “But honestly, I’m home. My daughter had tryouts yesterday. My nephew had a basketball game. And my son has a game coming up on the 12th.”
Paul Cannot Be Traded Until Dec. 15
The Clippers and Paul are currently in a holding pattern as he’s not eligible to be traded until Dec. 15 at the earliest. Another option for the team would be to waive Paul and pay out his $3.6 million salary.
Regardless of what the Clippers decide to do next, Paul said he’s free from worry at this stage of his career.
“I’m actually at peace with everything,” he added. “More than anything, I’m excited about being around and getting a chance to play a small role in whatever anything looks like next.”
The 2026 NBA trade deadline is Feb. 5.
