Chris Paul Jeff Van Gundy Plane Dispute Sparks Clippers Split

Merlin sees the Clippers cut ties with veteran guard Chris Paul after a heated exchange with assistant coach Jeff Van Gundy on a team flight. Van Gundy accused Paul of changing Kawhi Leonard's defensive assignment in a loss, and Paul reportedly stood up and asked Leonard and Kris Dunn to confirm he only made a suggestion. Reports say the team "decided they'd finally had enough" and Paul wrote he had been "sent home" after appearing in just 16 games while the Clippers sit 6 20 and 14th in the West. Merlin notes that Paul is a future Hall of Famer and a proven leader, yet leadership can clash when a roster is crowded with strong personalities. The split feels less about one play and more about frayed patience on a team that expected better this season.