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Chris Paul's Shocking Exit from LA Clippers Leaves Stars Reeling Mid-Season
The basketball world was rocked Wednesday when the LA Clippers made a stunning overnight decision to part ways with Chris Paul, one of the franchise's greatest players, in a move that caught even his own teammates completely off guard.
The Unexpected Departure
James Harden and Kawhi Leonard found out the same way the rest of the world did—by checking their phones Wednesday morning. The Clippers organization had made the decision after a three-hour late-night conversation between Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank and Paul at the team hotel in Atlanta.
"I'm just as confused and shocked as you guys, the world," Harden said after the Clippers' 115-92 victory over the Hawks that night. "Definitely surprised me. But not just Chris, it's a lot that we were dealing with. But that is out of my hands."
Leonard echoed similar sentiments, expressing disbelief at how the situation unfolded. The timing couldn't have been more dramatic—the Clippers snapped a five-game losing streak with the win, but the victory was overshadowed by the bombshell news.
What Happens Next?
The situation remains complicated from a league perspective. Paul signed a one-year, $3.6 million contract in July and is not eligible to be traded until December 15 at the earliest. The Clippers sent him home to Los Angeles, but they're currently in a holding pattern regarding his status.
Waiving him outright presents additional challenges. Since the Clippers triggered the first apron when they signed Brook Lopez and are only $1.3 million below the threshold, they cannot sign a replacement player. League rules prohibit teams from falling below 14 players for 14 consecutive days, creating a complex situation for the organization.
The End of an Era
According to sources, Paul is retiring at the end of this season, marking the conclusion of his remarkable 21-year NBA career. Despite the abrupt nature of his departure, Harden expressed hope for his former teammate's future.
"I'm pretty sure he will find something because he's a great player," Harden said. "[But] I didn't want to see it end like this."
The decision raises questions about what led to the sudden split and what internal issues the Clippers were grappling with. For now, the basketball community waits to see how this situation resolves and what it means for the Clippers' championship aspirations this season.
1. ESPN - Harden 'just as shocked as you guys' by CP3 exit
Sources
1. Harden 'just as shocked as you guys' by CP3 exit
