After being removed from LA Clippers earlier this month, veteran guard Chris Paul says he feels calm and ready for what comes next. In an exclusive interview with People Magazine, Paul said he is “at peace with everything.”
Despite ending what was billed as his farewell season, Paul appears to view the cut as a closing chapter that still leaves space for new beginnings. “More than anything, I’m excited about being around and getting a chance to play a small role in whatever anything looks like next,” he told PEOPLE.
A Sudden Departure
The Clippers cut ties with Paul in a late-night decision on Dec. 3, just two months into the 2025–26 campaign. He had rejoined the franchise in July on a one-year deal, hoping to exit the league on his own terms.
The move came after a three-hour discussion between Paul and team executive Lawrence Frank in Atlanta. The Clippers, mired in a 5–16 slump, cited organizational struggles rather than blaming Paul directly. “We are parting ways with Chris and he will no longer be with the team,” Frank said. “Chris is a legendary Clipper who has had a historic career.”
At the time of his release, Paul was averaging a career-low 2.9 points and 3.3 assists across 16 games this season.
While the departure stunned fans and analysts alike, Paul appears to have embraced the moment with poise. “Stuff’s been a little crazy in the past few days — to say the least,” he said. “But honestly, I’m home. My daughter had tryouts yesterday. My nephew had a basketball game. My son has a game coming up on the 12th.”
He also reflected on rarely being present for his children’s lives due to his long NBA career. “I have never seen my son play a game in person,” he said. “Not a middle school game, not a high school game.”
As he weighs his next steps, including potential retirement after 21 seasons, Paul speaks with gratitude. “The game has been amazing to me and my family,” he said.
