NBA star Kawhi Leonard has tried his best to lead the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2025-26 NBA season. However, the team has struggled and is now 6-19. Shutting down veteran guard Chris Paul was also one of the Clippers’ greatest news stories. The organization is reportedly searching for ways to move Paul.
The future Hall of Fame guard will retire after the season, ESPN’s Shams Charania confirmed on X (formerly Twitter). Paul returned to the Clippers over the summer to be close to his family as he ends his illustrious 21-year career. However, the organization sent him home during a road trip.
On Sunday’s team practice, Leonard was asked about his knowledge of the front office’s decision regarding Paul.
“Surprised at it,” Leonard said. “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.”
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
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) December 14, 2025
The two-time NBA champion clarified that he had nothing to do with the team’s decision.
“I didn’t have nothing to do with it. I didn’t even know what was going on.”
Kawhi Leonard has been focused on his role with the Clippers. He’s appeared in 15 games this season, averaging 25.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists.
Kendrick Perkins believes the Clippers should blow it up and trade Kawhi Leonard
The Clippers have not had the ideal season. They’ve struggled to make an impact, putting them in a difficult situation. Although Kawhi Leonard and James Harden have been somewhat healthy, it hasn’t been enough. According to former NBA player Kendrick Perkins, Los Angeles should blow up the team and make significant roster changes.
“It’s time to move on from Kawhi Leonard. It’s time for the Los Angeles Clippers to trade Kawhi Leonard. They have been trending downward since they signed him. Look at all they lost. They lost damn near everything,” Perkins said.
Perkins pointed out that Leonard’s injury struggles have affected the Clippers in the past. Over the past six seasons, the two-time Finals MVP has had trouble being in the lineup, appearing in only 266 games.
The current ESPN commentator believes change should be in effect within the Clippers, and it should start with the core players.
