Harden 'confused and shocked' about Paul's dismissal
Los Angeles Clippers star James Harden was blindsided by the team's surprise decision to part ways with veteran point guard Chris Paul early Wednesday morning.
"I'm just as confused and shocked as you guys, the world," Harden said following Wednesday's win over the Atlanta Hawks, according to ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk. "Definitely surprised me. But not just Chris. It's a lot that we're 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."
Teammate Kawhi Leonard added, "It was shocking to me. I guess they had a conversation, and front office made a decision."
Paul joined the Clippers for a second tour of duty in July, signing a one-year, $3.6-million deal prior to what is widely believed to be his final NBA season.
The team reportedly dismissed Paul after weeks of conflict between the player and head coach Tyronn Lue. Lue said Wednesday that the Clippers weren't a good fit for the future Hall of Famer at this stage of his career.
Paul averaged career lows in points (2.9), assists (3.3), and minutes played (14.3) across 16 appearances this season.
The Clippers haven't officially released Paul and can't trade him before Dec. 15.
Los Angeles sits 13th in the Western Conference with a 6-16 record. The club has made the playoffs in seven of the past eight seasons.