ESPN insider Ramona Shelburne explained how Chris Paul's relationship with the Clippers spiraled into chaos this season.

“Paul was stunned, sources said, and tried to plead his case,” Shelburne wrote. “At one point, he brought teammate Brook Lopez into the room as something of a character witness.

The entire NBA fraternity was completely in shock when the Los Angeles Clippers announced two weeks ago that Chris Paul would no longer be with the team.

The trade rumors surrounding Chris Paul are intensifying, with multiple teams reportedly showing serious interest in acquiring him.

Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue reportedly made this error with Chris Paul following the team’s training camp.

Kawhi Leonard on the Clippers parting ways with Chris Paul: “Surprised at it. He’s always been a willing teammate when I’ve spoke to him. Only thing I could talk about is our conversations. And they’ve always been positive and team-forward. I didn’t have nothing to do with it. I… pic.twitter.com/cjyVw0a5dE

The Los Angeles Clippers began the 2025–26 season with bullish expectations. There was also a feel-good factor, with franchise legend Chris Paul returning for a farewell tour before he hung up his boots.

Paul's retirement tour got derailed when the Clippers parted ways with him in the middle of the night last week

Josh Hart, Miles McBride and Jordan Clarkson are all valued rotational pieces in the back court, but none of them are reliably or consistently looking to keep their teammates fed. And though Tyler Kolek has quietly earned steady appearances in the rotation, he's far from ready from contributing to competitive hoops.