Kawhi Leonard Finally Breaks Silence on Chris Paul After Clippers Decide to Part Ways
Nearly two weeks have passed since the LA Clippers elected to part ways with franchise icon Chris Paul, who had just 21 games remaining in his final NBA season. A wave of reports has followed that night, some suggesting certain Clippers players were frustrated with Paul. Yet, no one on the current roster has spoken publicly to confirm those claims.
The Clippers were in Atlanta when Paul was sent home, and they haven’t played a home game at the Intuit Dome since that moment. They did practice, including on Sunday, which gave Kawhi Leonard his first chance to address local media about the Paul departure.
“Unexpected,” Leonard said. “He’s always been a cooperative teammate in my conversations. The only thing I can discuss is what we talked about, and those talks have always been constructive and focused on the team. I didn’t have any part in this decision. I wasn’t aware of what was happening.”
Kawhi Leonard on the Clippers’ decision to sever ties with Chris Paul:
“Surprised by the move. He’s consistently been a willing teammate whenever we’ve spoken. I can only reference our conversations, which were always positive and geared toward the group. I had no involvement in this. I… [image attached]”
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) December 14, 2025
This stance mirrors what Nicolas Batum conveyed to reporters earlier in the week at practice.
“I reached out to him the first day this unfolded,” Batum said. “I have immense respect for him… 21 years in the league and a Hall of Famer. I’ve had the privilege to play alongside many great players. He’s certainly one of them. I simply wanted to text him and thank him for the time we shared.”
When pressed about the rumors that Clippers players supported the decision to send Paul home, Batum made it clear he wasn’t part of any such decision.
“They didn’t ask me,” he stated. “Like everyone else, I woke up to the news. It’s what it is—the dynamic upstairs… If something happened, I’m not aware of it. It’s painful to be part of that, for everyone involved—the fans included. I wish CP all the best.”
Nicolas Batum on Chris Paul:
“I texted him the first day that happened… I obviously have a ton of respect for him… 21 years and a Hall of Famer… I’ve had the chance to play with many great players. He’s one of them. So I simply wanted to thank him for the time we had.”
The Clippers have gone 1-3 since Paul was sent home, lifting their season record to 6-19. With players expressing surprise and head coach Ty Lue largely deferring to executive director Lawrence Frank when asked about the move, the team has offered little public commentary on Paul’s alleged disruptive behavior.
“The organization, Lawrence made the call, and we have to move forward,” Lue said last week. “We need to win games. The mood didn’t change just because Chris is gone. Nobody wanted to see him leave like that.”
When asked why reconciliation wasn’t possible, Lue redirected: “That’s a question for Lawrence.”
Lue rejected claims that there was a long estrangement between him and Paul:
“That’s not accurate. How would I coach if I wasn’t speaking with him? There was a period when he wasn’t in the rotation, which was tough for him because he’s a competitor.”
As the public dialogue settles, the focus shifts to the impending trade deadline, with Monday, December 15 marking the first day players signed this offseason can be moved. Looking ahead to trade season, Lue and Frank insist they’re aligned in strategy and goals.
“We always work closely together,” Lue noted. “Lawrence has been a strong partner. We strive to be on the same page about the talent we want to pursue and the players we aim to acquire. We’ve always been unified in that effort.”
Lue added that perfect alignment isn’t guaranteed every year, acknowledging the nature of the business and the challenges of landing the right pieces. Still, he emphasized, they remain connected and committed to the process.
Frank now faces the task of finding a new home for Paul through a trade, or potentially navigating the financial implications of releasing him if no trade materializes.
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