While the LA Clippers were in an extended hunt for momentum, they just threw the most unexpected curveball by sending franchise legend, Chris Paul, home, amid the team’s disasters and his retirement season.
LA Clippers statement via Lawrence Frank to @ClutchPoints on cutting ties with guard Chris Paul:
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) December 3, 2025
“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… pic.twitter.com/YVz77GNMB9
Everyone on the outside is shook, confused. This type of dismissal is unheard of, and for the Clippers to execute with this decision in the most meaningful season of Paul’s career is indescribable, as no word or phrase could properly piece together the way Clipper Nation, and all of Paul’s die-hard fans, have been left.
Paul was supposed to go on a farewell tour, say goodbye to every city, and receive a memorable tribute video and ovation in the final contests of his 21st season. This is what retirement is all about, especially for the greatest point guard in franchise history, yet all was put to rest as the Clippers felt another route was best.
The LA Clippers must have a reasonable justification to move on from Chris Paul
All this time, the LA Clippers never had an issue with the way Chris Paul was performing. He averaged 2.9 points and 1.8 assists in 16 games, shooting 32.1% from the field and 33.3% from three, yet still played ahead of higher-producing veterans and rising young talent.
The worst-case scenario was always just a DNP from Tyronn Lue, as his last destination was meant to be the Clippers, which every fan wished for; never something as unreasonable as a complete stop to a sentimental season in the making.
Neither side has revealed many details, and neither has any sources. Paul simply posted on Instagram, using the temporary story feature, that he was forced to pack his bags, and in a statement from Lawrence Frank, everything was described vaguely, with a particular mention of the front office being willing to cooperate with the 12-time All-Star in navigating the situation.
Soon enough, the rest of the story will be told. There had to have been a legitimate reason why Paul was rushed out and removed from the team, but every justification imaginable for a veteran and presence of his caliber seems unfathomable.
Additionally, millions of fans were left on a cliffhanger, as many never witnessed him suit up and play, and unfortunately, it will not happen again for the Clippers.
Though the professionalism is high, understandably so given how recent the news is, with time, will come all of the specifics fans are searching for. On the flip side, in the midst of the puzzlement, one thing is for sure: the reason to let go of Paul must be valid, as everyone is currently heartbroken.