Clippers part ways with Chris Paul, will need another move if waived

The Clippers and Chris Paul are officially going their separate ways.

The team put out a statement Tuesday saying they are “parting ways” with the future Hall of Famer, who returned to Los Angeles on a one-year minimum deal for what was supposed to be his final season in the league.

The announcement hit almost the same minute Paul posted an Instagram story that read, “Just found out I’m being sent home,” with a peace-sign emoji. NBA insider Chris Haynes reported the news moments later.

Clippers president Lawrence Frank called Paul a “legendary Clipper” and made a point to shoulder the blame for the team’s 5-16 start.

“No one is blaming Chris for our underperformance,” Frank said. “I accept responsibility for the record we have right now. We are grateful for the impact Chris has made on the franchise.”

Sources confirmed to The Athletic’s Law Murray that the decision was not Paul’s and not initiated by him.

Paul, 40, hoped to bring steady depth behind James Harden. Instead, he averaged just 2.9 points and 3.3 assists in 14.3 minutes through 16 games.

His shooting dipped to 32.1 percent and he fell out of the rotation for long stretches before returning due to injuries elsewhere on the roster.

Despite the separation, the Clippers are unlikely to waive Paul soon. They sit only $1.28 million below the first apron and cannot add a player until January 7.

Waiving Paul now would drop them to 13 players and force a replacement. The more realistic option is waiting until Paul becomes trade-eligible on December 15.

The Knicks have already discussed the idea of pursuing Paul for backcourt depth, according to Stefan Bondy of The New York Post. But they have too many salary constraints at the moment, it seems.

For the Clippers, it is another uneasy goodbye to a face of the Lob City years. Blake Griffin was traded just months after signing a max extension.

Now it is Paul’s turn, ending a reunion that never had the chance to work.