James Harden, Kawhi Leonard surprised by Clippers’ decision on Chris Paul

The Clippers woke up to a shock on Wednesday and so did their stars.

Kawhi Leonard and James Harden said they were blindsided to learn that Chris Paul was suddenly out of the picture after a late-night meeting between Paul and team president Lawrence Frank in the Atlanta team hotel.

“I’m just as confused and shocked as you guys, the world,” Harden said after the Clippers beat the Hawks to end a five-game skid, via ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk. “Definitely surprised me.

“But that is out of my hands. I got to focus on what I can control. I guess the front office felt that was the best decision for the organization.”

Leonard echoed the surprise. “It was shocking to me,” he said. “I guess they had a conversation and the front office made a decision.”

Reports from ESPN’s Shams Charania said Paul and head coach Ty Lue had not been on speaking terms for weeks. Sources told Charania that Paul’s leadership style clashed with the staff and front office.

Paul had been vocal about holding coaches, players and management accountable. The Clippers felt the approach had become disruptive.

Frank said the move did not come from one incident.

“There were multiple conversations,” he told reporters, adding that the decision came only after several attempts to work through the tension.

Lue pushed back on the idea that removing Paul helped the Clippers.

“I don’t think the reason we’re 5-16 is because of CP’s play,” he said. “I have a lot of respect for him. I didn’t want to see it end like this.”

Paul was sent home to Los Angeles and remains in limbo. He cannot be traded until December 15. Waiving him would put the Clippers below the roster minimum and they cannot sign a replacement while operating near the first apron.

A buyout is possible, but only a handful of teams even have an open roster spot.

For now, everyone waits. The surprise hasn’t worn off.