The Los Angeles Clippers have released veteran point guard Chris Paul in a surprise move as the team continues to struggle near the bottom of the NBA standings.

Paul, a 12-time All-Star, confirmed his exit in a social media post, saying he had been sent home while the team was on a road trip in Atlanta.

The 40-year-old had rejoined the Clippers on a one-year deal and was expected to retire at the end of the season.

Team president Lawrence Frank later issued a statement acknowledging the decision, stressing that Paul was not to blame for the team’s poor performance.

He described Paul as a legendary Clipper and praised his impact on the franchise.

Reports indicate the split followed weeks of tension between Paul and head coach Ty Lue.

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Speaking before the team’s game against the Hawks, Lue admitted the reunion wasn’t a good fit, noting that things hadn’t worked out as expected.

Paul, previously a key figure in the Clippers’ playoff runs during his six-season stint with the team, had struggled in his return, averaging just 2.9 points over 16 games as a bench player.

The Clippers remain second from the bottom in the Western Conference with a 5-16 record.

Despite the difficult run, Frank emphasized that accountability for the team’s struggles rests with management, not Paul.

Source: Channels