Clippers abruptly part ways with NBA star Chris Paul in stunning late-night move
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The Los Angeles Clippers are parting ways with veteran guard Chris Paul in a surprising move announced early Wednesday morning.
Nearly two weeks after Paul hinted that this season with the Clippers would likely be his last season in the NBA, Paul took to social media around 3 a.m. to reveal that the team would be sending him home ahead of their road game against the Atlanta Hawks.
Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul looks to pass the ball against Memphis Grizzlies guard John Konchar at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, on Nov. 28, 2025. (Kiyoshi Mio/Image Images)
“Just found out I’m being sent home,” Paul wrote in an Instagram Story with a peace emoji.
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Lawrence Frank, the Clippers’ chief basketball executive, issued a statement confirming Paul’s departure and indicated that the team will attempt to trade Paul, who signed a $3.6 million deal to rejoin the team.
“We have parted ways with Chris and he will no longer be part of the team,” he said via The News. “We will work with him on the next step of his career. Chris is a legendary Clipper who has had a storied career.”
Paul is playing in his 21st season in the NBA. Last month, reports speculated that this year would be his last season before retiring, a rumor he seemingly confirmed with a social media post that read in part: “What a ride… Still a long way off… GRATEFUL for this last one!!”
Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul brings the ball up court against the Dallas Mavericks at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, on Nov. 29, 2025. (Kiyoshi Mio/Image Images)
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But offseason projections of being a championship contender have quickly faded this season as the Clippers go 5-16. Paul, a future Hall of Famer, has averaged a career-low 2.6. points and 3.3 assists per game. He also averages 14.3 minutes per game.
In his statement, Frank said the team was not “blaming” Paul for its lackluster start.
“I want to make one thing very clear. Nobody blames Chris for our poor performance. I accept responsibility for the record we have now. There are many reasons why we have struggled. We are grateful for the impact Chris has had on the franchise.”
Clippers guard Chris Paul and Lakers guard Gabe Vincent chase a loose ball at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Nov. 25, 2025. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Imagn Images)
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The Clippers enter Wednesday’s game against Atlanta on a five-game losing streak.
The News contributed to this report.
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