Tyronn Lue ‘refused to meet with’ Chris Paul before Clippers split
It seems as though the Los Angeles Clippers didn’t bring back Chris Paul to do what he does best.
In the wake of Paul’s shocking split from the Clippers early Wednesday morning, reports have indicated that the veteran point guard fell out of favor with team brass due to his vocal leadership style.
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“Paul had been vocal in holding management, coaches and players accountable, which the team felt became disruptive,” ESPN’s Shams Charania posted to X on Wednesday, also revealing that Clippers head coach Ty Lue was no longer on speaking terms with the future Hall of Famer.
The 40-year-old Paul, often regarded as one of the most respected veteran voices in the league, returned to LA on a one-year deal ahead of the 2025-26 season.
He later confirmed that it would mark the last chapter in his illustrious 21-year career and that he planned to retire as a Clipper.
Lou Williams, who was teammates with Paul during his initial six-season run with the Clippers, said Wednesday that Paul’s criticism of the front office became “the straw that broke the camel’s back” and led to his stunning dismissal.
According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, Paul attempted to meet with Lue a few weeks ago to “discuss allegations of being a negative presence on [the] team” and salvage the relationship.
“Lue refused to meet with him,” Haynes said. “[President of basketball operations] Lawrence Frank traveled to Atlanta to deliver news of parting ways” — which Paul received around 3 a.m. ET.
LA will likely pursue trade opportunities for Paul; his $3.6 million contract is fully guaranteed and the Clippers would not have enough money to fill its 14th roster spot, which they would have to accomplish within 14 days of waiving the floor general.
The 12-time All-Star becomes trade eligible on Dec. 15.
The Clippers, currently entrenched in a miserable 5-16 season without any sense of direction, no longer own their unprotected first-rounder in the upcoming NBA draft, which is projected to land in the lottery.
Who does? That would be the defending NBA champion and 21-1 Oklahoma City Thunder, who received the pick in the now-infamous seven-pick haul for Paul George — which also landed them Jalen Williams and reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
And as the cherry on top, the Clippers shut down the retirement tour of arguably the greatest player in franchise history.
Maybe Paul had a point.
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