Chris Pauls tenure with the Los Angeles Clippers has reached its conclusion. Late Tuesday night, during the teams five-game road stretch, the veteran guard was sent back to Los Angeles, a move he disclosed through his Instagram story. The team is currently in Atlanta ahead of its matchup against the Hawks on Wednesday.
The Clippers confirmed early Wednesday that they have mutually agreed to cut ties with Paul, though details regarding the decision have yet to be shared.
We are parting ways with Chris and he will no longer be with the team, Clippers president Lawrence Frank said in a statement reported by ESPNs Ohm Youngmisuk. We will work with him as he determines the next step in his career.
Frank emphasized Pauls impact, calling him a cornerstone of the franchises history and stating that the teams struggles this season are not attributed to him. He added that he accepts responsibility for the teams current record and expressed appreciation for Pauls contributions.
This fall marks Pauls twenty-first NBA season, and he has already stated that it will be his last. He returned to the Clippers on a one year agreement worth 3.6 million dollars, rejoining the organization where he spent six earlier seasons. At the time, Paul described the decision to return to Los Angeles as an easy one.
Throughout his career, Paul has played for seven franchises and earned twelve All Star selections. He has led the league in assists five times and in steals six times. Despite never capturing an NBA title, he is widely regarded as a future Hall of Fame inductee and one of the most skilled point guards in league history.
The forty year old has averaged 2.9 points and 3.3 assists this season while coming off the bench for only the second time in his career. He recorded eight points and three assists in fifteen minutes during Mondays loss to the Miami Heat.
The Clippers have endured a difficult start to the season and enter Wednesdays contest with a 5 16 record, the second worst in the Western Conference ahead of only the New Orleans Pelicans. They have dropped five consecutive games and eight of their last nine, signaling the organizations desire for major changes.
With his departure from the Clippers, the closing chapter of Pauls storied career has become uncertain.
