The Los Angeles Clippers stunned the NBA world in the early hours of December 3 when they abruptly parted ways with Chris Paul, sending the future Hall of Famer home from a road trip in Atlanta. The decision has sparked intense debate across the league, with players and analysts questioning how a franchise could cut ties so suddenly with one of its greatest legends.
Adding another layer to the story, NBA insider Kevin O’Connor revealed that James Harden quietly opposed Paul’s signing from the very beginning.
The NBA Player Guessing Game allows you to guess the NBA player based on clues about their team, division, height, jersey number, points, and experience.
Why Was James Harden Against Chris Paul Joining the Clippers?
Paul joined the Clippers during the 2025 offseason, a move widely celebrated by fans eager to see the veteran guard finish his career close to home. However, not everyone within the organization shared that enthusiasm. According to O’Connor’s report, Harden expressed reservations about bringing Paul into the fold.
“I mean, absolutely a failure of leadership for sure, and I think you know what they say publicly is one thing. I’ve heard from multiple sources that James Harden was opposed to the Chris Paul signing, that he was one of the guys who was like, ‘Eh, I’m not so sure here.’ And then this ended up happening,” said O’Connor in the latest segment of the Kevin O’Connor show.
James Harden did NOT want the Clippers to sign Chris Paul, per @KevinOConnor
“I’ve heard from multiple sources that James Harden was opposed to the Chris Paul signing, that he was one of the guys that was like ‘Eh, I’m not so sure here.’”
(https://t.co/x6xMsBXAbo) pic.twitter.com/BrxCGwwfqE
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) December 5, 2025
This wasn’t about personal animosity between the two guards. Their history together speaks to mutual respect, not conflict. According to Statmuse, Paul and Harden have logged 118 regular-season games as teammates. They first played together on the Houston Rockets from 2017 to 2019 and later reunited as members of the Clippers from 2025 to 2026.
The duo produced some unforgettable performances together, including a standout game during the 2017-18 season against the Milwaukee Bucks. Harden scored 31 points and handed out five assists, while Paul contributed 25 points and six assists in a 115-111 victory. Their on-court chemistry and competitive fire made them one of the league’s most feared backcourts at the time.
When Paul returned to the Clippers in July 2025 and spoke about having “unfinished business,” his reunion with Harden carried extra weight. For many, it symbolized a second chance to chase what slipped away years earlier. Harden’s reported disapproval likely stemmed from concerns over roster fit and how adding another ball-dominant guard might complicate the team’s hierarchy, not personal dislike.
What Made Chris Paul’s Departure So Shocking?
Paul’s history with the Clippers makes the abrupt ending feel particularly harsh. When he was first traded to Los Angeles in 2011, he essentially rebranded the franchise. With Paul at the helm, the Clippers won 57 games in the 2013-14 season, 56 in the 2014-15 season, and 53 in the 2015-16 season, transforming them from league afterthoughts into legitimate contenders.
This season painted a different picture. Paul averaged just 3.3 assists, 2.9 points, and 1.8 rebounds in 16 games, the lowest marks of his illustrious career. However, almost everyone understood that numbers weren’t the point. His return was framed as a mentorship move, a chance for the 12-time All-Star to guide younger players while concluding his career in a way that made his mark.
That’s why cutting him midseason felt like a betrayal of the very leadership they claimed to value. Even Harden, who had his reservations about Paul’s signing, was caught off guard by how abruptly the organization acted.
“Me too. Woke up and saw it on social media…I’m just as confused and shocked as you guys, the world…Definitely surprised me, but not just Chris, it’s a lot we were dealing with, but that’s out of my hands,” said Harden about the Clippers’ move.
MORE: NBA Insider Reveals 11-Time All-Star’s Disapproval of Chris Paul’s Signing by Clippers
Clippers president Lawrence Frank publicly insisted that the decision wasn’t performance-related, attempting to quiet the backlash. However, Shams Charania later revealed that Paul’s leadership style clashed with head coach Tyronn Lue, and the two hadn’t spoken for several weeks leading up to the split. That detail painted the waiver in a dramatically different light.
Whatever the root cause, one thing remains undeniable. Paul’s sudden departure has shaken the NBA community, with players, fans, and analysts questioning loyalty, leadership, and the fragile nature of careers nearing the end. The shocking move has become the league’s biggest talking point of the week, sparking conversations about how teams treat their veterans and legends.
