Chris Paul opens up about contentious Clippers exit

NBA star says team praised his leadership before benching and trading him

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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In a podcast interview, Chris Paul discussed the circumstances around his exit from the Los Angeles Clippers in his final NBA season. Paul claimed the team's president of basketball operations, Lawrence Frank, had praised his leadership earlier in the season, but then the relationship soured, with Paul alleging he was told not to give advice to teammates and that Frank failed to set up a meeting with head coach Tyronn Lue before trading Paul to the Toronto Raptors.

Why it matters

Paul's comments shed light on the apparent communication breakdown between the veteran point guard and the Clippers' coaching staff and front office, which led to an unceremonious end to his time with the franchise where he was a five-time All-Star. The situation raises questions about the team's treatment of a franchise icon as he neared retirement.

The details

According to Paul, earlier in the season Frank had praised his leadership, sending him an article highlighting it. However, Paul said there were issues during training camp, when he was told not to give advice to his teammates. Paul also claimed Frank said his jersey should be retired, but then sent him home without setting up a meeting with Lue, the head coach. The pair reportedly clashed over Paul's attempts to guide younger players, though Lue has denied they stopped speaking.

  • In the 2025-26 NBA season, Paul's final year before retirement.

The players

Chris Paul

A 21-year NBA veteran and five-time All-Star with the Los Angeles Clippers, who was traded to the Toronto Raptors shortly before announcing his retirement.

Tyronn Lue

The head coach of the Los Angeles Clippers, who reportedly clashed with Paul over the veteran's attempts to provide guidance to younger players.

Lawrence Frank

The president of basketball operations for the Los Angeles Clippers, who praised Paul's leadership before ultimately trading him to the Raptors.

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What they’re saying

“Earlier in the season, Lawrence Frank sent me an article about how great my leadership was, an article I had never seen. He texted it to me saying, 'Man, this is great leadership right here.'”

— Chris Paul (7PM in Brooklyn podcast)

“During training camp, I talked to one of my teammates for a while and then, as soon as I went in the meal room, somebody came and told me they didn't want me giving players advice. So I told them, 'You were my assistant coach, I know you.'”

— Chris Paul (7PM in Brooklyn podcast)

“[Frank] said that to me before he sent me home ... Before I left the room, I asked him, 'So L-Frank, you said you was gonna get me a meeting with T-Lue, right?' He said, 'I'm sorry, I couldn't do that. Go home.'”

— Chris Paul (7PM in Brooklyn podcast)

What’s next

The Clippers have not yet indicated whether they plan to retire Paul's jersey number, which could create an awkward situation given the reported tensions between the team and the veteran point guard.

The takeaway

Paul's comments shed light on the apparent breakdown in communication and trust between the Clippers' front office, coaching staff, and their longtime star player, underscoring the challenges that can arise when trying to manage the end of a legendary career.