Ty Lue Denies Rumors That Chris Paul, HC Didn't Speak Before PG's Clippers Exit
Los Angeles Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue dismissed rumors that he didn't talk with Chris Paul before the veteran point guard's departure from the organization.
"That ain't true," Lue told reporters Tuesday. "How he gonna play and I'm not talking to him? There was a stretch when he wasn't gonna play and be out of the rotation, it was tough for him because he's a competitor."
Lue also discussed the team's reaction to the situation involving Paul.
"The guys were not happy about it," Lue told reporters. "That's their teammate. It's a guy they also go to war with every single day and he was part of us. So it's tough. The organization made the decision to do it, but we've got to move on. We've got to try to win some games. I don't think the mood changed because Chris is gone, like nobody wanted to see him go like that."
The Clippers announced Wednesday that they would be parting ways with Paul after sending him home.
ESPN's Shams Charania reported that "Paul and his leadership style clashed with Lue and the Clippers," as the head coach and the 12-time All-Star were not on speaking terms for "several weeks" before the point guard's exit.
Blake Griffin, Paul's former teammate, also revealed that he had a conversation with the veteran and was told that he had "no communication" with Lue.
According to Sam Amick, Law Murray and Joe Vardon of The Athletic, Lue and Los Angeles' coaching staff were "at wit's end" with Paul.
The veteran guard joined the Clippers on a one-year, $3.6 million contract in July. It marked a return to a team that he previously spent six seasons with from 2011-17.
Paul struggled to open his 2025-26 campaign, averaging 2.9 points and 3.3 assists in 14.3 minutes per game on 32.1/30.8/50.0 shooting splits through 16 appearances. He announced his intention to retire at the end of the season on Nov. 22.
Despite Paul's individual struggles and the Clippers' disappointing 6-18 record, it was still shocking to see their decision to move on from him so early into the season.
