Chris Paul and the Clippers: chronicle of a divorce foretold
Dec 17, 2025
Sylvain Sultat
Chris Paul discusses his NBA retirement and departure from the Clippers
The 40-year-old veteran point guard refuses to let his controversial exit from the Los Angeles Clippers mark the end of his legendary career. In a podcast with Kevin Hart, Paul leaves the door open for a return this season.
Dec 13, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Chris Paul watches during the Emirates NBA Cup semifinals game between the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Photo Credit : © Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Chris Paul doesn’t want his NBA story to end on a bitter note. Unexpectedly released by the Los Angeles Clippers in December 2025, the 40-year-old point guard recently appeared on the « Good Sports » podcast with Kevin Hart and Kenan Thompson, where he discussed his retirement plans and uncertain future in the league.
« I don’t want it to end like this »
When asked about the potential end of his career, Paul gave a response that hints at a possible return: « I’m working out every day, you know? Honestly, with the way everything happened and all that, I think for me, I love this game so much that I don’t want it to end like this. I’ve enjoyed the time off, for sure… I get the chance to go to my kids’ games, but I don’t know yet. So, I don’t know what team I hope to finish with. »
The future Hall of Famer, who has 12 All-Star Game selections, had announced in November that the 2025-2026 season would be his last. His return to the Clippers, the team with which he had his best years between 2011 and 2017, was supposed to mark a beautiful conclusion to his legendary career.
Chris Paul went on @SportsonPrime tonight & Kevin Hart asked CP3 if he was done playing, or could potentially come back for another year:
« I’m working out & training everyday. I just love this game so much that I don’t want it to end like that. I’ve enjoyed the time for sure… pic.twitter.com/KAe1yqWByR
— CP3REGION (@CP3REGION) January 14, 2026
A brutal and mysterious separation
Unfortunately, things quickly turned sour. After only 16 games played and a disastrous record, the Clippers made the surprising decision to release Paul on December 3, 2025. The announcement was made unceremoniously in the middle of the night, with Paul being sent home from a road trip on the East Coast.
According to ESPN, internal tensions existed between Paul and the Clippers organization, particularly with coach Tyronn Lue. Sources indicate that the two men hadn’t been speaking for several weeks. When Hart and Thompson asked him what really happened, Paul responded with a smile: « Man, if I knew, I’d tell you. »
Fan reactions on social media are mixed. Some encourage the legend to continue, suggesting a return to New Orleans where it all began, while others believe it’s time to hang it up. The Clippers now have a record of 17 wins and 23 losses and occupy 11th place in the West.
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