Kawhi Leonard, James Harden ‘Shocked’ Los Angeles Clippers Moved On From Chris Paul
NBA stars Kawhi Leonard and James Harden are “shocked” the Los Angeles Clippers moved on from Chris Paul.
The Clippers sent Paul home before the Atlanta Hawks game on Wednesday.
“I’m just as confused and shocked as you guys, the world,” Harden said after the Clippers beat the Hawks, via ESPN. “Definitely surprised me. But not just Chris, it’s a lot that we were dealing with. But that is out of my hands. I got to focus on what I got to focus on and what I can control. I guess the front office felt that was the best decision for the organization.”
“It was shocking to me,” Leonard said. “I guess they had a conversation, and front office made a decision.”
Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue wasn’t on speaking terms with Paul for several weeks, according to NBA insider Shams Charania of ESPN.
NBA insider Chris Haynes also reports that Lue refused to meet with Paul, who wanted to discuss allegations that he was a negative presence on the team.
Paul played in 16 games this season. He’s averaged 2.9 points, 1.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game while shooting 32.1% from the field, 33.3% from beyond the arc and 50.0% from the free-throw line.
To move on from Paul, the Clippers will have to waive him and pay out his $3.6 million salary, agree to a buyout or trade him, which they can’t execute until December 15.
One of the best point guards in NBA history, Paul has played for the New Orleans Hornets, Clippers (twice), Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs. He holds career averages of 16.8 points, 4.4 rebounds and 9.2 assists per game.
Paul has made 12 All-Star teams, nine All-Defensive teams and 11 All-NBA teams. He’s a top 75 player of all time and will make the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame one day.
According to NBA reporter Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times, everyone on the Clippers was “fed up” with Paul, who was criticizing people too much despite not playing.
Latest NBA News & Rumors
- NBA Rumors: Giannis Antetokounmpo And His Agent Have Started Conversations With Milwaukee Bucks About Future
- NBA Rumors: Los Angeles Clippers Coach Tyronn Lue Wasn’t On Speaking Terms With Chris Paul
- NBA News: New Orleans Pelicans’ Zion Williamson To Miss Extended Time
