Shocking news: Clippers cut Chris Paul mid-road trip

During a road trip covering Atlanta, Memphis, Minnesota, and Houston, the 40-year-old veteran announced his return to Los Angeles. The Clippers soon clarified they are parting ways, though he may remain rostered until December 15 for trade options. President Lawrence Frank explained: “Chris is no longer part of the team, but we will support his next step. He is a legend; the responsibility is mine.”

The team situation is grim: at 5-16, the Clippers are 14th in the West. After a decent start, they lost 14 of 16 games. With Bradley Beal out for the season and an aging roster, James Harden appears unhappy. Owner Steve Ballmer has intensified pressure on Frank and Tyronn Lue to save the season. For Paul, who wanted to retire in LA, this ending is abrupt. A future Hall of Famer, he faces a choice: a new team or retirement. The first domino has fallen.