In a shocking move, the Los Angeles Clippers have announced the release of 12-time NBA All-Star Chris Paul, as the franchise continues to struggle through a disastrous start to the 2025–26 season. The Clippers have lost 14 of their last 16 games, leaving the team languishing near the bottom of the Western Conference standings.

Chris Paul, 40, widely regarded as one of the greatest point guards in NBA history, confirmed the news on Instagram, stating, “Just found out I’m being sent home.” The decision came ahead of the Clippers’ match against the Atlanta Hawks.

Clippers Management Comment

Clippers executive Lawrence Frank spoke to ESPN about the decision, emphasizing that Paul was not being blamed for the team’s poor form.

“We are parting ways with Chris, and he will no longer be with the team,” Frank said.
“Chris is a legendary Clipper who has had a historic career. No one is blaming him for our under-performance. 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’s Career and Clippers Legacy

Paul originally spent six seasons with the Clippers from 2011 to 2017, establishing himself as a franchise cornerstone before leaving for other opportunities. In July, he returned to the team on a one-year deal, hoping to add veteran leadership and experience.

Statistically, Paul’s career is remarkable: he ranks second all-time in NBA assists with 12,552, only behind John Stockton, and second in steals with 2,728. Despite his achievements, Paul has never won an NBA championship, reaching the NBA Finals only once with the Phoenix Suns in 2021, where they lost to the Milwaukee Bucks.

Reports indicate that Paul and head coach Tyronn Lue had not been on speaking terms for “several weeks,” which may have contributed to the decision to part ways.

Looking Ahead for the Clippers

With Chris Paul’s departure, the Clippers are expected to reconfigure their roster and seek a spark to halt their slide. The franchise faces a challenging road to salvage the season, and replacing the leadership and experience of Paul will be a significant task.

Fans and analysts alike are reflecting on Paul’s immense influence on the team over the years, both on and off the court. His departure marks the end of an era in Los Angeles, closing the chapter on what has been a 21-season NBA career for one of the game’s all-time greats.