A significant gap between expectations and reality contributed to Chris Paul’s abrupt departure from the Los Angeles Clippers, with the veteran point guard’s preseason role far exceeding what was discussed when he signed this summer, multiple sources told ESPN. The divergence in Paul’s usage set the stage for mounting tensions that led to his dismissal 21 games into the season.
Paul signed a one-year, $3.6 million contract as a free agent this summer with the understanding his role would be limited, sources said. The team envisioned Paul as an end-of-the-bench veteran leader who needed little maintenance. In the release announcing Paul’s signing, president Lawrence Frank said Paul would play a “reserve” role.
Paul played 19 minutes per game during the preseason, averaging 8.3 points and 5.3 assists. The workload represented a much heartier role than had been discussed in the summer, sources said.
“I think that’s where Ty went wrong,” said one source close to the situation, “because that really empowered Chris and changed the expectations.”
Tyronn Lue utilized Paul more extensively as the point guard performed well and the team dealt with injuries to Kawhi Leonard, Bogdan Bogdanovic and Bradley Beal entering the season. Paul quickly became a standout leader of the second unit, which routinely defeated the starters in practice.
“We were kicking their ass,” forward John Collins told ESPN. “Everyday we were kicking [the starters’] ass.”
The expanded role emboldened Paul to take on more vocal leadership responsibilities, which created friction with coaches and players who found his style abrasive, sources said. Frank described Paul’s role as very limited to multiple players during the summer, as they expressed concerns about how Paul’s presence might affect their own roles.
Over several summer discussions, Paul said he was okay with the outlines of a limited role but stressed he wanted a chance to compete, sources said. He emphasized he would do his best to be an extension of the coaching staff.
The 40-year-old future Hall of Famer started 82 games last season for the San Antonio Spurs. His expectations for meaningful playing time conflicted with organizational plans once the regular season began.
Paul had multiple meetings with Frank about being more positive and not engaging in activities the organization perceived as “divisive,” sources said. Arguments with Lue and especially associate head coach Jeff Van Gundy escalated tensions. The final confrontation occurred on a Nov. 30 flight to Miami when Van Gundy accused Paul of changing defensive coverage without approval.
Frank informed Paul of his dismissal in an Atlanta hotel room around 11 p.m. on Dec. 2, sources said. Paul attempted to plead his case and brought teammate Brook Lopez into the room as a character witness, but the decision by Frank and the Clippers had already been made.
The Clippers are 6-20 and sit 14th in the Western Conference. Paul remains at home awaiting a trade or buyout while working out at the team’s old Playa Vista facility. The Clippers plan on working with Paul on a trade.