Overview
- Blake Griffin said he is disappointed in the organization and cited Chris Paul’s claim of no direct communication from Tyronn Lue or team governor Steve Ballmer.
- NBA insider Chris Haynes reported that Jeff Van Gundy confronted Paul on the team plane after the Mavericks loss, telling him he did not have the “leeway” to change coverages.
- Paul’s late‑November “leeway” social post was tied to that exchange, providing context for the growing rift with the Clippers’ coaching staff.
- A preseason video circulating shows Lue using an expletive toward Paul during practice, with former Clipper Bones Hyland later describing Lue’s tone in such moments as joking.
- Team president Lawrence Frank called Paul a “legendary Clipper” while informing him on Dec. 3 that the team was parting ways; Paul has been sent home and is not trade‑eligible until Dec. 15 as the 6–17 Clippers face broader roster and defensive issues.