Chris Paul Stunned as Clippers Cut Ties

Chris Paul was "stunned" when the Clippers sent him home and tried to "plead his case." President Lawrence Frank told him in Atlanta and would not change course. ESPN cites tension with coach Ty Lue and assistant Jeff Van Gundy and "complaints from both players and coaches that he was abrasive" as reasons. Paul is training at the team's old facility while he pursues a trade or a buyout. Merlin sees a veteran whose value outlives the drama. At 40 years old Paul remains a surefire Hall of Famer whose leadership and playmaking can help contenders, but teams will weigh chemistry risk after these reports. With supporters like Kawhi Leonard and Brook Lopez, the situation could still resolve quickly.