The Los Angeles Clippers gave Chris Paul a “final warning” about division after a series of internal conflicts at the start of the 2025-26 season, detailed information shows. reporting by ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne. The warning marked a turning point in Paul’s brief and turbulent return to the franchise.
Shelburne reported that tensions escalated on November 8 during a game against the Phoenix Suns, when Paul and assistant coach Jeff Van Gundy had an awkward altercation on the bench. It was the first of five consecutive DNP-CDs for the experienced guard.
“The next day, Paul had another lengthy meeting with Frank at the facility,” Shelburne wrote, noting that the Clippers’ President of Basketball Operations gave a “final warning” about Paul’s impact on the team dynamic. Paul also met with Van Gundy again in an attempt to iron out previous issues.
From the beginning, Paul’s role was clearly defined as limited. In the team’s signing announcement, Lawrence Frank said Paul would serve in a “reserve” capacity, and multiple sources told ESPN that Frank privately described the role as very small for concerned players.
Paul, who started all 82 games for Spurs last season, had accepted those terms in principle. Sources said he emphasized his desire to compete and act as an extension of the coaching staff, but the Clippers reacted negatively when that leadership style was put into practice.
According to Shelburne, Paul was warned not to undermine the staff after giving training suggestions to teammates. Whenever he challenged players or directed executions on the field, there were complaints from coaches and players alike that his approach was abrasive.
After a season-opening loss to the Utah Jazz, Paul tried to spark a locker room discussion after the game. That effort fell flat with a veteran-heavy roster described as quiet even after wins.
Further friction arose after losses to Phoenix and Oklahoma City, teams Paul had recently played for. Sources said he questioned why he wasn’t consulted on defensive stars like Devin Booker and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and that the method of delivery was deemed unproductive.
One flashpoint came after Paul openly questioned how Kawhi Leonard’s limited minutes were handled in the late loss to Dallas. Van Gundy accused him of changing the defensive coverage, an accusation that Paul disputed by directly asking Leonard and Kris Dunn for clarification during the team flight.
That incident circulated back among team management and Shelburne reported that the organization decided the limit had been reached. Later that evening, Frank informed Paul that the team planned to send him home, while expressing his hope of maintaining a long-term relationship.
The Clippers, now 6-19, are expected to work with Paul and his representatives to find a trade once the window opens. Several teams have already checked his availability, as the 21-year-old veteran looks for a final chapter that lives up to his expectations.
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