NBA News: Chris Paul departs struggling Clippers in late-night surprise


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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 (3) looks to pass the ball against Memphis Grizzlies guard John Konchar (46) during the first half at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, on November 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 Associated Press. “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. Reports last month 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… There’s still so much left… GRATEFUL for this last one!!”

Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) brings the ball up court during the first quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, on November 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.”

Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) and Los Angeles Lakers guard Gabe Vincent (7) chase a loose ball in the first half at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California on November 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.

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