Clippers Part Ways With Chris Paul Amid Lue Rift

Merlin sees the Clippers abruptly part ways with Chris Paul after a 5–16 start, a split Lawrence Frank says is not about scapegoating — “He had nothing to do with that.” Paul signaled the rupture himself, posting he was “being sent home,” while reports say he and Tyronn Lue had been “not on speaking terms” for weeks. The veteran point guard is now a free agent after 16 games. This matters beyond roster moves: Paul’s leadership is real, but the Clippers publicly backed Lue and Frank owned the club’s struggles. Merlin senses this is a chemistry and culture failure more than a single-player problem. Teams will still value Paul’s mind and steadiness, but age and fit make the next chapter uncertain.