James Harden and Kawhi Leonard react to the Clippers - Chris Paul situation: “I’m just as confused and shocked as you guys”

Many Clippers fans are still reeling from the news - as are some members of the team. The franchise took the surprise move of releasing playmaker Chris Paul on Wednesday, literally hours before the team took to the court at State Farm Arena to face the Hawks.

In a statement, the Clippers made it clear that Paul was “not to blame for the team’s current situation” - 16 defeats and just six wins leaves Ty Lue’s men third from bottom in the Western Conference standings.

Rumors surrounding the real reason behind Paul’s departure started swirling as soon as the news broke. An alleged bust-up with the coach, a disruptive figure within the locker room... according to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Paul and Ty Lue had not been ion speaking terms for weeks.

Harden and Leonard can’t believe the news

None were more surprised than Paul’s own teammates. “I’m just as confused and shocked as you guys, the world...” a visibly bewildered Harden told reporters following the 115-92 win in Atlanta - the team’s first victory in six games. “Definitely surprised me. But not just Chris, it’s a lot that we were dealing with. But that is out of my hands. I got to focus on what I got to focus on and what I can control. I guess the front office felt that was the best decision for the organization.”

Kawhi Leonard did a double take when the breaking news report popped up on his phone. “It was shocking to me,” he said. “I guess they had a conversation, and front office made a decision.”

Lue spoke about Paul’s departure, telling the media: “I just think that it wasn’t a good fit for what he was looking for. Do I want to see CP go out like this? No, I have a lot of respect for him. He’s been a friend of mine over the years, and you don’t want to see a great go out like this. I’m pretty sure he will find something because he’s a great player. I didn’t want to see it end like this.”

What now for Chris Paul?

Paul, who rejoined the Clippers in July on a one-year deal, remains tied to the franchise until December 15 - the earliest he could be traded. As a free agent, several teams could show an interest - including the Lakers, which would allow Paul to stay in LA. Other potential destinations include his former team, the Rockets. He spent two seasons in Houston, guiding the team to the playoffs in his first year.

The Detroit Pistons, who top the Eastern Conference and are looking to make it to the postseason for the second year running, is another option.

Paul, who is now 40, will want to land with a team which has a chance of making the playoffs in what will be his final season in the NBA before he retires next year.

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