The Los Angeles Clippers have officially announced their decision to part ways with veteran point guard Chris Paul, a move that has sent ripples through the basketball community.
“Just Found Out I’m Being Sent Home,” Paul, 40, shared on his Instagram Story early Wednesday morning, December 3. This revelation comes as the team grapples with a disappointing 5-16 record this season.
While the franchise has yet to release an official statement regarding the transaction, Lawrence Frank, the president of basketball operations, confirmed to ESPN that Paul is no longer part of the team. “We are parting ways with Chris and he will no longer be with the team,” Frank stated. “We will work with him on the next step of his career.”
Frank emphasized that the team's struggles should not be attributed to Paul. The Clippers have lost five consecutive games and have not secured a victory in regulation since October 31. “Chris is a legendary Clipper who has had a historic career,” he added. “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.”
As the Clippers navigate this transition, they face decisions regarding Paul’s contract. Options include negotiating a buyout, paying the remaining $3.6 million on his deal, or exploring trade possibilities.
Although Paul has not made an official announcement regarding his future, he hinted at retirement plans during a recent game in North Carolina against the Charlotte Hornets. “What a ride… Still so much left… GRATEFUL for this last one!!” he expressed on X.
Sources later confirmed to ESPN that Paul intends to retire at the end of the current season. This marks his second stint with the Clippers after previously playing for the team from 2011 to 2017, where he averaged 18.2 points and 9.6 assists per game, earning five All-Star selections and leading the league in assists twice.
After playing for three other teams, Paul returned to the Clippers in 2025, signing a one-year deal in July. His career has solidified him as one of the most respected guards in basketball history, complemented by his eight years as president of the NBA Players Association.
“Twenty-one years, at some point you know it’s going to end,” said teammate James Harden in November. “And I think he has already started his transition. Obviously he is still traveling and playing now, but his transition after the season is going to be pretty seamless.”
Harden further praised Paul’s contributions: “President of the Players Association, on the court having some really good runs with some different teams, just being a really good point guard. I think he’s No. 2 (all time) in assists and he has impacted the game and winning everywhere he went.”
