LA Clippers make shocking move after releasing Chris Paul

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

What was supposed to be a joyous final year for Chris Paul immediately turned into a disaster.

On Dec. 3, 2025 (Dec. 4 in PHL), the Los Angeles Clippers made their most surprising move of the ongoing NBA regular season after cutting the veteran floor general from the lineup, hours before the team’s road game against the Atlanta Hawks.

Paul quickly reacted to his release, sharing his sentiments on his official Instagram account after posting: “Just found out I’m being sent home.”

The decision came out of nowhere and stunned the entire NBA community, especially after the Clippers had promised Paul a proper send-off, as the point guard had already confirmed that he would retire from professional basketball following the 2025–26 season.

According to multiple reports, it was the Clippers’ president of basketball operations, Lawrence Frank, who pulled the trigger.

“We are parting ways with Chris, and he will no longer be with the team,” said Frank in a statement.

Paul’s release came at the organization’s darkest time of the ongoing season, as the Clippers had their worst start in five years with a disappointing 6-16 win-loss record.

“Chris is a legendary Clipper who 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,” added Frank.

However, according to ESPN’s veteran NBA insider Shams Charania, the reason the Clippers shut down Paul’s contract was due to a “leadership clash” with the organization.

Charania explained that Paul had vocally gone off at the team, trying to hold coaches and players accountable amid their struggling NBA start.

According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, Clippers head coach Ty Lue had not spoken to Paul for several weeks.

“Some moves you make—roster moves—you have great intentions. Some work and some don’t. I own that. This one just didn’t work at this time,” continued Frank.

On July 22, 2025, the Western Conference powerhouse welcomed Paul back to Los Angeles, signing a fresh contract in an attempt to salvage one final chance to win an NBA ring.

Despite the talent they had, led by James Harden and Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers managed only six wins in two months.

In 16 games this season, Paul averaged 2.9 points, 3.3 assists, and 1.8 rebounds per game in just 14.3 minutes played per contest.

Will CP3 find a new home before the Christmas season ends?