Clippers Release Chris Paul Amid Struggles in Season

The Los Angeles Clippers have officially parted ways with veteran point guard Chris Paul, a move announced early on Wednesday. This decision comes just months after the franchise welcomed him back, aiming to leverage his experience as they sought to become serious contenders in the NBA. At 40 years old, Paul had previously indicated that this season would be his last before retirement, expressing a desire to conclude his storied career in Los Angeles.

In a post shared on his Instagram account at 2:40 a.m., Paul stated, “Just Found Out I’m Being Sent Home,” accompanied by a peace emoji, signaling his surprise at the decision. The Clippers, currently struggling with a record of 5-21, are in Atlanta for a game against the Hawks as part of a five-game road trip.

Lawrence Frank, the Clippers’ President of Basketball Operations, issued a statement to The Athletic regarding the team’s decision. He emphasized Paul’s legendary status within the franchise, stating, “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.”

The Clippers signed Paul to a one-year contract valued at $3.6 million in July, with indications then that this could be his final season. Options for the Clippers now include waiving Paul and paying out his salary, although they lack the cap space to fill his roster spot. Alternatively, they could negotiate a buyout or pursue a trade, with Paul becoming eligible for trades starting December 15.

Recently, Paul had seen an increase in playing time as the Clippers faced mounting challenges, having lost 14 of their last 16 games, including a significant defeat against the Miami Heat on Monday. In his 16 appearances this season, Paul averaged 2.9 points and 3.3 assists per game.

Paul’s tenure with the Clippers was marked by a transformative period for the franchise, where he played a pivotal role in establishing the team as a competitive force in the league. His dynamic partnership with center Blake Griffin was instrumental in the team’s rise, culminating in the “Lob City” era. Under Paul’s leadership, the Clippers reached the playoffs in each of his six seasons with the team, including two appearances in the Western Conference semifinals.

As the Clippers look to regroup and address their current challenges, the departure of Chris Paul marks the end of an era. The team’s future direction remains uncertain as they seek to improve their standing in the league.