In early December, the Los Angeles Clippers shocked the sports world by dismissing franchise legend Chris Paul from the team in the middle of the night. In the weeks since, we’ve learned a little more about what led to Paul being sent home. Apparently, the future Hall of Famer rubbed some players and coaches the wrong way.
Now, an anonymous executive from a different NBA team is making his feelings known about Paul.
NBA Exec Claims Paul Has Always Been Difficult to Work With
Paul first entered the league in the 2005-06 season. The legendary point guard’s best seasons came during his first stint with the Clippers from 2011 to 2017. During that time, Paul led the “Lob City” Clippers to some of their best seasons in franchise history. That’s why it seemed like a storybook ending when Paul signed back with the Clippers ahead of the 2025-26 season to end his storied career.
However, Paul played in just 16 games this season before being sent home from a road trip. Now, an anonymous executive on a different NBA team is shining some light on the situation. “He was a pain in the ass when he was a great player,” the executive said, per ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne. “And now he’s not a great player.”
It’s certainly true that Paul, at the age of 40, is no longer the player he once was. Paul averaged 18.2 points and 9.6 assists during his first six years with the Clippers. In 2025-26, Paul averaged just 2.9 points and 3.3 assists in 14.3 minutes per game.
Shelburne also reported that Paul butted heads with assistant coach Jeff Van Gundy, in particular, this season. Paul was reportedly seen as a “divisive” figure by some within the organization. “There really wasn’t one thing,” said one source close to the situation. “This isn’t like JR Smith throwing the soup in Cleveland.”
This was supposed to be Paul’s retirement tour, but now the veteran is sitting at home waiting to see if he gets another opportunity.
Clippers Among League’s Worst Teams in 2025-26 Season
It’s been a nightmare season for the Clippers. The team had hopes of returning to the playoffs this season, but instead finds itself near the bottom of the Western Conference with a 6-20 record.
Only five teams have a lower net rating than the Clippers so far this season. The team has only won one of its last 10 games and got blown out at home on Monday night by the Memphis Grizzlies.
It will be interesting to see if Paul latches on with a contender to close out his career. Obviously, Paul isn’t the player he once was, but some teams may value his veteran leadership more than the Clippers did.