Los Angeles Clippers Waive Chris Paul, James Harden and Kawhi Leonard Express Their Shock

Summary

• The Los Angeles Clippers waived Chris Paul by opting not to guarantee his substantial contract to gain cap flexibility
• Teammates like Kawhi Leonard and James Harden expressed immediate shock, calling the move “shocking”
• The unexpected contract maneuver makes the veteran “Point God” an immediate free agent ahead of the deadline

The Los Angeles Clippers sent shockwaves through the league, officially waiving Chris Paul by opting not to guarantee his substantial contract for the season. The decision, a strategic move to preserve future salary cap flexibility, means “The Point God” is once again a free agent, ending his second brief tenure with the franchise.

On Wednesday, December 3, Clippers basketball president Lawrence Frank issued a statement confirming, “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.” This comes just over a week after CP3 posted to his social media, announcing his retirement from the league.

Following the Clippers’ win against the Atlanta Hawks last night, his teammates spoke to sports journalists on the move that generated immediate surprise within the locker room. Kawhi Leonard expressed his shock, saying, “It was shocking to me. I guess they had a conversation, and front office made a decision.” James Harden, meanwhile also shared, “I’m just as confused and shocked as you guys, the world. Definitely surprised me. But not just Chris, it’s a lot that we were dealing with. But that is out of my hands. I got to focus on what I got to focus on and what I can control. I guess the front office felt that was the best decision for the organization.” As for Coach Ty Lue, he responded to whether or not he thought CP3’s departure will help the Clippers, “I don’t think it necessarily helped our team. I mean, I don’t think the reason why we’re 5-16 is because of CP’s play. I just think that it wasn’t a good fit for what he was looking for. Do I want to see CP go out like this? No, I have a lot of respect for him. He’s been a friend of mine over the years, and you don’t want to see a great go out like this.” He added, “I’m pretty sure he will find something because he’s a great player. [But] I didn’t want to see it end like this.”

In a brief statement confirming the transaction, the Clippers acknowledged Paul’s professionalism and contributions, but emphasized the need to build around the long-term core of Leonard and Harden. The unexpected contract maneuver, coming just before the guarantee deadline, underscores the ruthless nature of the NBA’s business side. Paul now enters a crucial phase of his career and it remains to be seen where he will land in what is expected to be his final year in the NBA before retirement.

Can confirm as Chris Paul says on his IG that he has been told he is being sent home from Atlanta where the Clippers play on Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/EITdJ9hzLt

— Ohm Youngmisuk (@NotoriousOHM) December 3, 2025

When told the Chris Paul news was a surprise to most, James Harden said, “Me too. Woke up and saw it on social media…I’m just as confused and shocked as you guys, the world…Definitely surprised me but not just Chris, it’s a lot we were dealing with but that’s out of my hands”

— Ohm Youngmisuk (@NotoriousOHM) December 4, 2025