Chris Paul opens up on shocking Clippers exit

Legendary point guard details behind-the-scenes tensions that led to his abrupt departure from LA

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Retired NBA star Chris Paul has provided more insight into the circumstances surrounding his sudden exit from the Los Angeles Clippers in December 2025. In a recent interview, Paul explained that there was tension with the team's management over him offering advice to his teammates, leading to his being sent home before the end of the season. Despite initially wanting to finish his career with the Clippers, Paul said he communicated his desire to head coach Tyronn Lue and team president Lawrence Frank, who had previously praised Paul's leadership.

Why it matters

Paul's departure from the Clippers came as a surprise to many, as he was a key part of the team's core and had hoped to retire with the franchise. His comments shed light on the internal dynamics and potential power struggles within the organization that led to the abrupt end of his tenure in Los Angeles.

The details

According to Paul, the issues began during training camp when he was told by the team not to give "players advice." This led to "a lot of back and forth" between Paul and the Clippers' management. Despite Paul's desire to finish the season and his career with the Clippers, he was ultimately sent home in December 2025.

  • In early 2025-26 season, Lawrence Frank sent Paul an article praising his leadership.
  • During training camp 2025-26, Paul was told by the team not to give "players advice."
  • In December 2025, the Clippers traded Paul to the Toronto Raptors, who later waived him.

The players

Chris Paul

A legendary NBA point guard who recently retired after a storied career, including a controversial exit from the Los Angeles Clippers in 2025.

Tyronn Lue

The head coach of the Los Angeles Clippers, who Paul communicated with about finishing his career with the team.

Lawrence Frank

The president of basketball operations for the Los Angeles Clippers, who had previously praised Paul's leadership but was involved in the tensions that led to his departure.

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What they’re saying

“I still grasp, and trying to figure out how it got to that. During training camp, I talked to one of my teammates for a while, and then soon as I went to the meal room, somebody came and told me like they didn't want me giving players advice.”

— Chris Paul, Retired NBA Player (7PM in Brooklyn)

“I hit [up] T-Lue, I'm saying like, 'I love to finish my career here.' L-Frank, I hit him, said the same thing. Early in the season, Lawrence Frank sent me an article about how great my leadership was, an article I'd never seen. He texted it to me saying, 'Man, this great le,adership right here.' I was extremely grateful, you saw, I was emotional when I went back. I knew it was my last year, and I was getting to play in front of my family.”

— Chris Paul, Retired NBA Player (7PM in Brooklyn)

What’s next

The details of Paul's exit from the Clippers and any potential fallout within the organization remain to be seen as the team moves forward without the future Hall of Famer.

The takeaway

Chris Paul's candid comments about the tensions that led to his abrupt departure from the Clippers highlight the complex dynamics that can exist within professional sports teams, even for legendary players nearing the end of their careers. This story serves as a reminder that behind-the-scenes issues can sometimes overshadow on-court success and legacies.