Clippers released Chris Paul at 2am; not his idea but doesn't seem acrimonious.

[URL="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6857787/2025/12/03/clippers-chris-paul-sent-home/"]Woke up to a stunner. [/URL]

A few questions:

1. Is Paul done? I can't see him as a full time starter any more but he could still be a good back up point guard with a lot of rest, right? Would the Lakers have no interest? Maybe the Thunder to try and get a ring?

2. Do multiple teams retire his jersey? I am assuming there's no bad blood with the Clippers, so that should be one team, especially as the Clipper standard should not be that high. He didn't have a long tenure with Phoenix but he helped them get to the Finals so could they maybe do it? And last candidate, do the Hornets honor him for things he did for them in other cities? Almost feels like it should be the Thunder or Pelicans.

More of a stunner that they signed him to begin with. Had dunn. Didnt see the need

Maybe OKC? Not like they need him but if he can be had for a bag of peanuts, he'll be in position to possibly pick up one of those Gary Payton/Mitch Richmond rings. That's if the Thunder feel like doing him a solid. Otherwise there's no point in a young team signing him or being stuck at the end of the bench for any team not in the best position to win now. Which leads back to OKC....

Doubt okc wants to get rid of a prospect for him

[QUOTE=Phoenix;15045673]Maybe OKC? Not like they need him but if he can be had for a bag of peanuts, he'll be in position to possibly pick up one of those Gary Payton/Mitch Richmond rings. That's if the Thunder feel like doing him a solid. Otherwise there's no point in a young team signing him or being stuck at the end of the bench for any team not in the best position to win now. Which leads back to OKC....[/QUOTE]

Gary Payton did actually help the Heat. I hate trying to go by imprecise memory but I could swear he got at least one clutch shot for them in the Finals, he started a good number of regular season games and played solid rotation minutes. Paul, on the other hand, will have to be preserved for special occasions of he signs somewhere. Even though he was old I don't recall GP ever doing load management.

Edit: That said, Thunder would be a good spot for him. They don't need him or really anyone but of they have an open roster spot he makes sense. And he should still have some fans there.

If CP3 is comfortable being a player coach who is out of the rotation and will only play garbage time, I'm sure there are several teams who'd be good having him mentor and train some of the young guys.

But that probably doesn't exactly fit the swan song idea he had in his mind for his final season.

Looks like the selfish decision to join the Spurs because he still wanted to start somewhere is coming back to haunt him.

[QUOTE=beasted;15045681]If CP3 is comfortable being a player coach who is out of the rotation and will only play garbage time, I'm sure there are several teams who'd be good having him mentor and train some of the young guys.

But that probably doesn't exactly fit the swan song idea he had in his mind for his final season.

[B]Looks like the selfish decision to join the Spurs because he still wanted to start somewhere is coming back to haunt him.[/B][/QUOTE]

It wasnt a "selfish" decision. Selfish would imply he did something for himself at the expense of someone else. He wasnt obliged to consider anyone else in his decision. He wanted to play so he signed where he could play.

All players make career decisions based on self interest. Their personal priorities might differ but nobody takes a position they dont WANT because they feel some obligation to a particular team. With the only exception possibly being LeLoyal.

[QUOTE=beasted;15045681]If CP3 is comfortable being a player coach who is out of the rotation and will only play garbage time, I'm sure there are several teams who'd be good having him mentor and train some of the young guys.

But that probably doesn't exactly fit the swan song idea he had in his mind for his final season.

Looks like the selfish decision to join the Spurs because he still wanted to start somewhere is coming back to haunt him.[/QUOTE]

How is that being especially selfish? Every player is seeking the opportunity to play and compete. Most superstar types would lose their minds if they didn't get 20 shots per game. I've heard guys like Josh Hart and Josh Minot talk about their desire to play. If a guy doesn't want to play as much as possible there's likely something wrong with him. I would see your point of he was refusing to play for a team because the coach decided to bring him off the bench. But him picking a team as a free agent based on the opportunity to play? Nothing wrong with that.

[QUOTE=Real Men Wear Green;15045662][URL="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6857787/2025/12/03/clippers-chris-paul-sent-home/"]Woke up to a stunner. [/URL]

A few questions:

1. Is Paul done? I can't see him as a full time starter any more but he could still be a good back up point guard with a lot of rest, right? Would the Lakers have no interest? Maybe the Thunder to try and get a ring?

2. Do multiple teams retire his jersey? I am assuming there's no bad blood with the Clippers, so that should be one team, especially as the Clipper standard should not be that high. He didn't have a long tenure with Phoenix but he helped them get to the Finals so could they maybe do it? And last candidate, do the Hornets honor him for things he did for them in other cities? Almost feels like it should be the Thunder or Pelicans.[/QUOTE]

Here's the article without the paywall:

[url]https://archive.ph/G6OU2[/url]

[QUOTE=Real Men Wear Green;15045684]How is that being especially selfish? Every player is seeking the opportunity to play and compete. Most superstar types would lose their minds if they didn't get 20 shots per game. I've heard guys like Josh Hart and Josh Minot talk about their desire to play. If a guy doesn't want to play as much as possible there's likely something wrong with him. I would see your point of he was refusing to play for a team because the coach decided to bring him off the bench. But him picking a team as a free agent based on the opportunity to play? Nothing wrong with that.[/QUOTE]

To join a lottery team at age 39 for a final payday and minutes reeks of a loser mindset built on a foundation of lacking the ability to sacrifice to win.

I mean up to that point in his career he had made $390M just off of basketball contracts, putting endorsements like State Farm aside. To need a final starter's mid-level $10M check and to join a 22 win team deserves no sympathy for how his career will end. He made his bed.

Looks like Clippers may be ready to rebuild and getting tired of the veterans. Harden was also benched in the last game mid-game due to turnovers.

As for Chris Paul, what an ignominious way to go. People always say "It was his choice", and "If he wants to play, let him play". Of course he can choose to play when he's over the hill.

But he also has to then deal with getting fired mid-season because he sucks and shooting 32% 2PG. Players handle this differently. If he could actually care less, and also doesn't mind the stain in his reputation among fans, then it's fine.

Personally I'd leave on top. That would give me the most satisfaction. I see someone like Tyson desperate for a few bucks, getting knocked out by a Youtuber and think "Was it worth it?"

To the question of: is he done, I hope so. For his sake. Getting hired for 10 day contracts and cut repeatedly by 10 different teams or 1-year contracts and booted again would just be masochistic for him to do.

[QUOTE=beasted;15045689]To join a lottery team at age 39 for a final payday and minutes reeks of a loser mindset built on a foundation of lacking the ability to sacrifice to win.

I mean up to that point in his career he had made $390M just off of basketball contracts, putting endorsements like State Farm aside. To need a final starter's mid-level $10M check and to join a 22 win team deserves no sympathy for how his career will end. He made his bed.[/QUOTE]
You think a 6'0 guy becomes one of the greatest point guards ever without a competitive streak? The man wants to play. Go up against the best players and beat them. A guy like that has to believe in himself in a way other people might find irrational to become elite. He's not asking for you or anyone else's sympathy, he just wants to play ball.

[QUOTE=Real Men Wear Green;15045693]You think a 6'0 guy becomes one of the greatest point guards ever without a competitive streak? The man wants to play. Go up against the best players and beat them. A guy like that has to believe in himself in a way other people might find irrational to become elite. He's not asking for you or anyone else's sympathy, he just wants to play ball.[/QUOTE]

That's fine. But, that decision clearly led to the current situation where he now no longer gets to end his career on his own terms.

Last year should have probably been his last one and he probably should have been willing to take the minimum to join a team with some chance of winning a title, while willing to come off the bench and a proper last dance.

[QUOTE=beasted;15045695]That's fine. But, that decision clearly led to the current situation where he now no longer gets to end his career on his own terms.

Last year should have probably been his last one and he probably should have been willing to take the minimum to join a team with some chance of winning a title, while willing to come off the bench and a proper last dance.[/QUOTE]

Most players don't choose to retire, instead they reach a point where teams don't think they're worth a roster spot and they have to move on. That may be where Paul is and if that's the case then oh well, move on to coaching or tv or whatever he wants to do. But he had no obligation to end his career the way you or anyone else thinks he should. If he wants his agent to find out whatever teams will take him a be he picks one then good for him, even if he shoots 30%, can't guard a chair, or whatever else that happens to every player as they get old.

And on a side note when he chose the Clippers they ate a playoff team just last year, could be argued that they were bound to decline but they had a respectable season last year.

[QUOTE=Real Men Wear Green;15045662][URL="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6857787/2025/12/03/clippers-chris-paul-sent-home/"]Woke up to a stunner. [/URL]

A few questions:

1. Is Paul done? I can't see him as a full time starter any more but he could still be a good back up point guard with a lot of rest, right? Would the Lakers have no interest? Maybe the Thunder to try and get a ring?

2. [B][SIZE=5]Do multiple teams retire his jersey?[/SIZE][/B] I am assuming there's no bad blood with the Clippers, so that should be one team, especially as the Clipper standard should not be that high. He didn't have a long tenure with Phoenix but he helped them get to the Finals so could they maybe do it? And last candidate, do the Hornets honor him for things he did for them in other cities? Almost feels like it should be the Thunder or Pelicans.[/QUOTE]


For what?


.

[QUOTE=Real Men Wear Green;15045677][B]Gary Payton did actually help the Heat. I hate trying to go by imprecise memory but I could swear he got at least one clutch shot for them in the Finals, he started a good number of regular season games and played solid rotation minutes. Paul, on the other hand, will have to be preserved for special occasions of he signs somewhere. Even though he was old I don't recall GP ever doing load management.
[/B]
Edit: That said, Thunder would be a good spot for him. They don't need him or really anyone but of they have an open roster spot he makes sense. And he should still have some fans there.[/QUOTE]

He did, what I mean is being a HOFer who basically got a ring at the end of his career as a roleplayer. I may be underplaying his contributions relative to where Paul is at this point, but that's what I mean. He started 25 games and averaged 8/3/3, so not as washed as CP3 is but also at a point where that championship mostly capped off his career but didn't any any legacy points to his resume.

Its possible that being on a team with a legit shot to win may boost CP3 a bit. With how the Clips have been this year it must be hard to get out of bed for that train wreck.

[QUOTE=Real Men Wear Green;15045677][B]Gary Payton did actually help the Heat. I hate trying to go by imprecise memory but I could swear he got at least one clutch shot for them in the Finals, he started a good number of regular season games and played solid rotation minutes. Paul, on the other hand, will have to be preserved for special occasions of he signs somewhere. Even though he was old I don't recall GP ever doing load management.
[/B]
Edit: That said, Thunder would be a good spot for him. They don't need him or really anyone but of they have an open roster spot he makes sense. And he should still have some fans there.[/QUOTE]

He did, what I mean is being a HOFer who basically got a ring at the end of his career as a roleplayer. I may be underplaying his contributions relative to where Paul is at this point, but that's what I mean. He started 25 games and averaged 8/3/3, so not as washed as CP3 is but also at a point where that championship mostly capped off his career but didn't any any legacy points to his resume.

Its possible that being on a team with a legit shot to win may boost CP3 a bit. With how the Clips have been this year it must be hard to get out of bed for that train wreck.

Clippers gonna Clipper. I guess it's just in their DNA.

If I was Paul I would look a the Thunder as the last guy on the bench for a possible championship ride or just call it a career if he can't get on the roster.

[QUOTE=Meticode;15045748]If I was Paul I would look a the Thunder as the last guy on the bench for a possible championship ride or just call it a career if he can't get on the roster.[/QUOTE]

I mean, this was his last season. He already announced it. Do they think he's holding them back. They're 5-17

I think he'd make a great coach

His basketball IQ is off the charts and he's ultra competitive

Detroit might make sense. Young team going places

[url]https://www.nbcsports.com/nba/news/detroit-pistons-phoenix-suns-emerge-among-top-surprise-teams-to-begin-the-2025-26-nba-season[/url]

Shams Charania: Chris Paul and his leadership style clashed with the Clippers, sources tell ESPN. Paul has been vocal in holding management, coaches and players accountable, which the team felt became disruptive. Specifically: Ty Lue was not on speaking terms with Pau

[QUOTE=Xiao Yao You;15045769]Shams Charania: Chris Paul and his leadership style clashed with the Clippers, sources tell ESPN. Paul has been vocal in holding management, coaches and players accountable, which the team felt became disruptive. Specifically: Ty Lue was not on speaking terms with Pau[/QUOTE]

That's believable. And potentially makes Lue look bad.

[QUOTE=L.Kizzle;15045754]I mean, this was his last season. He already announced it. Do they think he's holding them back. They're 5-17[/QUOTE]

I know it's his last season, but if the Thunder don't want him at all even to ride to a possibly championship then I would just call it a career in the middle of the season. If I was him the Thunder is the only team I would play for. Maybe the Nuggets? And no he wasn't holding him back, but there's usually more to the story than what's released to the public.

[QUOTE=Real Men Wear Green;15045771]That's believable. And potentially makes Lue look bad.[/QUOTE]

In what world is the 15th man on a minimum contract allowed to be vocal?

Whatever your criticisms are, Lue has proven himself to be a competent coach in this league who has won a title and made the playoffs much more than missed.

He doesn't need to take advice from CP.

[QUOTE=beasted;15045798]In what world is the 15th man on a minimum contract allowed to be vocal?

Whatever your criticisms are, Lue has proven himself to be a competent coach in this league who has won a title and made the playoffs much more than missed.

He doesn't need to take advice from CP.[/QUOTE]

That's who he is. They have the right to tell him to stay home while they see if they can trade him for something but you yourself pointed out how much money he's made. When a guy like that signs for the minimum it's not really about the money, he makes more off the court and probably could make as much or more of he became a coach or took a tv job0. He's a very and he's used to operating a certain way. They can tell him to go away, and they have, but a guy that has been in the league 20 years with all of his accolades isn't going to hold his tongue just because his on court role or pay are minor.

[QUOTE=beasted;15045798]In what world is the 15th man on a minimum contract allowed to be vocal?
.[/QUOTE]

I would have assumed being a voice, a veteran lockerroom presence is why they brought him back moreso than what he was providing on the court. I mean its not like they don't know who Chris Paul is and what he represents.

[QUOTE=Real Men Wear Green;15045799]That's who he is. They have the right to tell him to stay home while they see if they can trade him for something but you yourself pointed out how much money he's made. When a guy like that signs for the minimum it's not really about the money, he makes more off the court and probably could make as much or more of he became a coach or took a tv job0. He's a very and he's used to operating a certain way. They can tell him to go away, and they have, but a guy that has been in the league 20 years with all of his accolades isn't going to hold his tongue just because his on court role or pay are minor.[/QUOTE]

CP was brought on to mentor players, not the HC.

Many will say this is unfair, but, what has CP won to be able to try and tell Lue how to run the team?

Lue won as a player and a HC.

[QUOTE=beasted;15045809]CP was brought on to mentor players, not the HC.

Many will say this is unfair, but, what has CP won to be able to try and tell Lue how to run the team?

Lue won as a player and a HC.[/QUOTE]

If Lue doesn't coach James or play with Shaq and Kobe he's won nothing. Conversely if Paul was OK with playing for less money to win he could have been James or Durant's point guard when he was younger and would have had a great spot at a championship. Winning a ring doesn't magically change what a guy really knows about the game. Paul knows what does and does not work on the court. Lue no doubt also understands the game but as a vet coach and ex-player he should have known what kind of guy Paul is. Does not matter what he gets paid or if he gets to play, anywhere Paul goes he's going to be a vocal leader. Lue got sick of hearing it from him and told him to go away, fine, they can do that, but we all know what kind of guy Paul is.

Lue is a good coach but I'm sick of the Clippers "swinging for the fences" and bringing in veteran guys like CP0 and Lopez just to not even play them and let them rot on the bench when they could be helping a contender. He's been doing this his entire coaching career with LA. PJ Tucker was another one.

Lopez specifically has a lot left in the tank.

Paul called out fellow Clippers players, coaches and president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank during his current stint with the team, a league source told The Times. The person added that Paul apologized, but “everyone was fed up.”

Los Angeles Times

Sounds like he may be done. What team wants this?

That remains to be seen. I don't think he's worth trading anyone for from the Celtics, for example, but if the Clippers but him out a team that wants another guard could still give him a chance. I doubt the Clippers were the only team interested.

It is unlikely Paul will sign with another team, a league source told The Times, because of his powerful voice in the locker room, which can be difficult for teams to deal with, and his age. “He’s not the player he used to be,” a league source said when asked about Paul’s options after the Clippers’ decision.

[QUOTE=Real Men Wear Green;15045812]If Lue doesn't coach James or play with Shaq and Kobe he's won nothing. Conversely if Paul was OK with playing for less money to win he could have been James or Durant's point guard when he was younger and would have had a great spot at a championship. Winning a ring doesn't magically change what a guy really knows about the game. Paul knows what does and does not work on the court. Lue no doubt also understands the game but as a vet coach and ex-player he should have known what kind of guy Paul is. Does not matter what he gets paid or if he gets to play, anywhere Paul goes he's going to be a vocal leader. Lue got sick of hearing it from him and told him to go away, fine, they can do that, but we all know what kind of guy Paul is.[/QUOTE]

My contention is Paul doesn't know anything because he's lost with the better team multiple times, and been part of epic chokes.

The idea that Chris Paul is a great leader or even a great guy might be the biggest myth in NBA history.

Someone will take him. Wolves?

[QUOTE=Proctor;15045842]Someone will take him. Wolves?[/QUOTE]

Already have conley

[QUOTE=Real Men Wear Green;15045771]That's believable. And potentially makes Lue look bad.[/QUOTE]

"Holding people accountable" is subjective; given Paul's reputation, this could well mean [I]offering idle criticism of everyone else on the team[/I], but himself.

CP3 probably had flashbacks in the Clippers locker room of when he led the team. Sounds like he never processed that he wasn't the team leader anymore.

Roles matter. If you're a bench player and shooting 32% FG, tread more carefully on attacking everyone else.

How you level the criticism is crucial. Whether its constructive or counter-productive. We don't know the details but clearly the Clippers felt it was the latter.

[QUOTE=Xiao Yao You;15045844]Already have conley[/QUOTE]
I love Conley but :roll: