Chris Paul, Clippers parting ways: Buyout, trade or retirement next? - ESPN

Chris Paul and the LA Clippers are parting ways.

The 40-year-old point guard announced Wednesday morning that he was being sent home to Los Angeles from Atlanta, where the Clippers play the Hawks. He had signed with the Clippers on a one-year deal in July, reuniting with the franchise where he played six seasons (2011-17). He had not been on speaking terms with coach Ty Lue for several weeks, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania.

After starting all 82 games for the San Antonio Spurs last season, Paul has averaged just 2.9 points and 3.3 assists in 14.3 minutes in 16 games for the Clippers, who are 5-16 and struggling badly.

The Clippers can't trade Paul until Dec. 15, but they could waive him and pay out his $3.6 million salary or agree to a buyout.

What's next for Paul and the Clippers, who lost Bradley Beal to a season-ending hip injury last month? Which teams could have interest in adding Paul for the rest of the season? And if this is the end of his career — he announced in November that he would retire in 2026 — how will his time in the league be remembered? ESPN's reporters and analysts weigh in:

Jump to a question:
How much does Paul have left?
Which teams could make sense to add him?
What are the Clippers' options now??
Can L.A. turn around its season?
How will Paul's career be remembered?

Both sides had good intentions, but this just wasn't a fit.

President of basketball operations Lawrence Frank made it clear Wednesday morning that Paul is not being blamed for the Clippers losing 14 of 16 games. But clearly, if the Clippers and Paul, to a lesser degree, had played better, any other issues that led to this parting probably would have been more tolerable.

The Clippers made it clear to Paul when they signed him that