Report: Chris Paul’s return to Clippers ended over role, expectations

Chris Paul’s brief return to the Clippers unraveled quickly, and a disconnect over expectations played a central role.

According to Ramona Shelburne of ESPN, Paul’s on-court role during the preseason went well beyond what was discussed when he signed a one-year, $3.6 million deal in the summer. The Clippers envisioned Paul as a limited reserve and veteran presence, a point president Lawrence Frank publicly emphasized at the time.

Instead, Paul averaged 19 minutes per game in the preseason and emerged as a key piece of the second unit, a workload that sources told ESPN was never part of the original plan. Injuries to Kawhi Leonard, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Bradley Beal created additional opportunity, and Paul’s strong play only expanded his influence.

That shift altered dynamics inside the organization. Sources told ESPN that Paul became more vocal and assertive, which led to friction with coaches and teammates who viewed his leadership style as abrasive. While Paul had agreed to a reduced role, he also made clear he still wanted to compete and be impactful.

Tensions escalated over time, particularly with associate head coach Jeff Van Gundy. The breaking point came on a Nov. 30 flight to Miami, when Van Gundy accused Paul of changing defensive coverages without approval, per ESPN.

Frank informed Paul of the decision to part ways on Dec. 2 during a meeting in Atlanta. By then, the outcome was already set.

The Clippers (6-20) sit near the bottom of the Western Conference, while Paul remains away from the team as both sides work toward a trade or buyout.