Reports: Chris Paul clashed with Clippers, not on speaking terms with Tyronn Lue

Chris Paul didn’t just get sent home. He ran headfirst into a Clippers organization that didn’t want to hear what he had to say.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Paul clashed with multiple members of the franchise over his leadership style. Sources told Charania the Clippers felt the veteran guard had become “disruptive” in his attempts to vocally hold players, coaches and even front-office personnel accountable during their 5-16 freefall.

Former Clippers guard Lou Williams echoed that sentiment on FanDuel’s Run It Back, saying Paul was trying to hold everyone to a higher standard and “had some criticisms” of the way the front office was operating.

And the tension reached the top. Per Charania, head coach Tyronn Lue and Paul hadn’t spoken for several weeks. NBA insider Chris Haynes added that Paul requested a meeting with Lue to address accusations he’d been a negative presence. Lue declined the meeting.

Hours later, the Clippers issued a statement saying they were “parting ways” with the 12-time All-Star. Paul, blindsided, posted an Instagram story that read, “Just found out I’m being sent home,” with a peace-sign emoji.

Team president Lawrence Frank publicly insisted no one was blaming Paul for the team’s collapse and called him “a legendary Clipper.” But multiple outlets confirmed the decision wasn’t initiated by Paul.

Paul averaged 2.9 points and 3.3 assists in 14.3 minutes per game, falling out of the rotation before returning due to injuries. Because of cap constraints, the Clippers aren’t expected to waive him immediately. He becomes trade-eligible December 15.