Harden Said No — Clippers Cut Chris Paul

The Clippers cut Chris Paul after just 16 games, a move that echoes locker-room friction and roster misfires. Sources say James Harden was "opposed" to the Paul signing and was "one of the guys who was like, 'Eh, I'm not so sure here,'" while team president Lawrence Frank insisted, "No one is blaming Chris for our underperformance. I accept responsibility." Paul’s limited role (14.3 minutes, 2.9 points) and reported clashes with coaches and players made him expendable as L.A. tries to arrest a 6‑16 slide. Merlin sees a team caught between star expectations and fragile chemistry. Moving on from a legend won’t cure defensive lapses or scoring inconsistencies; it simply shifts the leadership burden onto Harden and Kawhi Leonard and forces Ty Lue to reweave rotations. Expect more tinkering before clarity returns.