James Harden admitted to being “shocked and confused” at discovering the Los Angeles Clippers had parted ways with Chris Paul.
Paul, 40, deliberate to retire on the finish of the season after an excellent profession. The intention was he would exit with the Clippers after rejoining the franchise on a one-year contract after representing them between 2011 and 2017.
However his short-term future now seems to be unsure. Paul has flown again to LA from Atlanta, the place the workforce performed the Hawks final evening, a game they won 115-92 to snap a five-game losing streak.
The choice to go their separate methods happened following prolonged late-night talks between Paul and Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank on Tuesday.
Harden baffled by Paul name
After the sport Wednesday, Harden mentioned: “I’m simply as confused and shocked as you guys, the world.
“Undoubtedly shocked me. However not simply Chris, it’s loads that we have been coping with. However that’s out of my palms. I acquired to deal with what I acquired to deal with and what I can management. I assume the entrance workplace felt that was the most effective resolution for the group.”
Kawhi Leonard added: “It was stunning to me. I assume they’d a dialog, and entrance workplace decided.”
In line with ESPN, Paul had fallen out with Clippers coach Ty Lue and his affect within the locker room had began to develop into disruptive.
“I don’t suppose it essentially helped our workforce,” Lue mentioned earlier than Wednesday’s recreation. “I imply, I don’t suppose the rationale why we’re 5-16 is due to CP’s play. I simply suppose that it wasn’t an excellent match for what he was on the lookout for. Do I wish to see CP exit like this? No, I’ve a whole lot of respect for him. He’s been a pal of mine through the years, and also you don’t wish to see an ideal exit like this.
“I don’t prefer it. It simply didn’t work out like we thought it might. I don’t prefer it for CP. It simply wasn’t an excellent match, and we understood that. It was a corporation [decision], they made the selection and so transferring ahead, we acquired to see what we do.”
