The Los Angeles Clippers made the controversial decision to part ways with Chris Paul in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Paul signed a one-year deal with the Clippers in free agency this summer after leaving the San Antonio Spurs.
He was never expected to be a starter or even a sixth man, but many thought he would be a solid backup point guard for them.
Instead, CP3 struggled in his return to LA, averaging just three points and three assists in 14 minutes per game.
However, the 40-year-old’s performances this season were not the reason the Clippers decided to let him go.
Lou Williams has now revealed what he has heard about what happened behind the scenes that led to Paul’s departure.
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Front office criticism led to Chris Paul’s exit from LA Clippers
Chris Paul has been commended for his leadership throughout his NBA career, on top of his scoring, playmaking, and defense.
The ‘Point God’ may not be the most popular player, but he has consistently brought the best out of his teammates.
However, Paul’s attempts to inspire his teammates and coaches in his latest stint with the Clippers seemingly did not go down well.
Williams explained that CP3’s outspoken personality is the reason he is no longer with the team, especially after he called out the front office.
“Talking to a few different people over there and trying to understand what transpired in the early hours, I’ve gathered that what brought an abrupt end to this was that there were a few scenarios where CP was holding people accountable, from players and staff to the front office,” he told Run It Back on FanDuel TV.
LA Clippers statement on Chris Paul exit
Will CP3 retire or join another team? Let us know…
We are parting ways with Chris and he will no longer be with the team. We will work with him on the next step of his career.
Chris is a legendary Clipper who has had a historic career. I want to make one thing very clear. No one is blaming Chris for our underperformance.
I accept responsibility for the record we have right now. There are a lot of reasons why we’ve struggled. We’re grateful for the impact Chris has made on the franchise.LA Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank
“From what I understand, there was a situation where he even addressed the team and apologised and said, ‘Look, my criticisms are coming from a good place. I want us to be a good team. I want us to get this thing right.’
“He was just holding guys accountable. Now, how some of that talk was taken or interpreted is up to the players and the coaching staff who were involved.
“Then, down the line, there was another scenario where he was critical of the front office as well, and I think that was the straw that broke the camel’s back. I think that’s what brought this to a head in the early hours in Atlanta.”
Chris Paul was a LEGEND for the LA Clippers
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DeMarcus Cousins completely disagrees with LA Clippers decision
Despite admitting that he does not personally like Chris Paul, DeMarcus Cousins was not impressed by the Clippers’ verdict.
Cousins emphasized that getting rid of a legendary player midway through his final season is poor form from the front office.
“I can’t sit here and say I agree with it. I think this is complete BS,” he said. “He is one of the greats in this game and probably one of the last great pick-and-roll PGs to ever play.
“He and Blake Griffin put the Clippers on the map. I just feel more respect is deserved in this situation, and the real issue I have with all of this is that the same reason you love him is now the reason you hate him.
“Throughout his entire career, this is what Chris Paul was highlighted for: being that voice, holding people accountable, being a leader in the locker room for the young guys and the old guys. He held everybody accountable, and that was something that you loved about him.
“Now you move into this situation, and he’s at a different point in his career, and it’s being turned into a negative. That’s the part I hate about the NBA. I hate how they treat veterans towards the end of their careers.”
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