James Harden and Kawhi Leonard were like all of us when they found out on social media that the Los Angeles Clippers had abruptly parted ways with Chris Paul on Wednesday morning.
“I’m just as confused and shocked as you guys, the world,” Harden stated via ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk. “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 added. “I guess they had a conversation, and the front office made a decision.”
This move by the Los Angeles Clippers caught everyone by surprise, to say the least, as it was expected that they would honor Paul’s wish of ending his illustrious NBA career with them. In his statement, Lawrence Frank, the president of basketball operations, reiterated that they’re not blaming Paul for their poor start this season.
Los Angeles Clippers News: Ty Lue breaks his silence on the team’s controversial split with Chris Paul
According to reports, the Los Angeles Clippers have cut Chris Paul from the roster, as the 12-time NBA All-Star repeatedly clashed with head coach Ty Lue. However, during a recent media availability, Lue said it is far from the truth.
“I just think it wasn’t a good fit for what he was looking for. It is what it is. Do I want to see CP go out like this? No. I have a lot of respect for him. He’s been a friend of mine over the years,” Lue explained via SI’s Joey Linn.
“You never wanna see a great go out like this. But I’m pretty sure he will find something, because he’s a great player. He’s a — you know. I didn’t wanna see it end like this,” he added.
