Overview
- Paul was sent home in early December and became trade-eligible on Dec. 15, with the Clippers weighing a trade, buyout or waivers as next steps.
- ESPN’s detailed account centers on a Nov. 29 plane exchange where assistant Jeff Van Gundy accused Paul of changing Kawhi Leonard’s defensive assignment, which Paul and teammates said was only a suggestion.
- Paul was described as stunned by the decision and tried to stay, even bringing Brook Lopez to a meeting as a character witness, while team president Lawrence Frank told him his leadership was being viewed as subversive.
- Kawhi Leonard publicly said he had no role and was surprised by the move, as other reporting described coaches and some players finding Paul’s direct style abrasive.
- In 16 games this season Paul averaged 2.9 points and 3.3 assists in limited minutes after an initially expanded role from Tyronn Lue, and the struggling Clippers fell to 6-20.