Kendrick Perkins Calls Chris Paul Locker Room Disruptor Citing Clippers Recent Record as Proof

Kendrick Perkins questions Chris Paul's impact on the Los Angeles Clippers.

Kendrick Perkins Calls Chris Paul Locker Room Disruptor Citing Clippers Recent Record as Proof

Kendrick Perkins on Chris Paul (Image credits - Firstsportz)

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No player deserves to be disrespected by a club like the way Chris Paul was by the Los Angeles Clippers. Arguably one of the greatest point guards to ever play the game of basketball, Paul has always been a leader on and off the court wherever he went. It was an anticlimactic ending for a player who had some of the best years of his career with the club and had announced that the 2025-26 campaign would be the final season of his illustrious career

Chris Paul spent some of the best years of his 20-year career with the Clippers from 2011-17. The way the relationship between Paul and the Clippers ended was a huge shock and drew a lot of criticism from NBA fans. But that is the reality of the NBA.

Several reports have been coming out since Pauls’ unceremonious exit that the relationship between the 40-year-old and head coach Ty Lue was completely broken. Then there was a rift with the Clippers coaching staff as well, involving Kawhi Leonard.

Before Paul’s exit, the Clippers were languishing at 14th place in the Western Conference standings with a 5-16 record. However, the Clippers have come a long way since. Halfway into the season, they find themselves in the play-in spots at 10th place with a 21-24 record. Since the 12-time All-Star’s exit, the club have gone 16-8 and 15-3 in their last 18 games.

Former NBA Champion Kendrick Perkins spoke about the Clippers’ togetherness after letting Paul go earlier in the season.

In order for a team to go 15-3 in their last 18 games, they gotta have chemistry. We’re seeing togetherness in this group. And this togetherness has transformed since they released a certain individual in CP3. Now I’m not pointing a finger, I’m just stating the obvious.

While it is unfair to put the blame on Paul for the Clippers’ poor start to the season, the team did seem to have issues with their togetherness during Paul’s time with them. The 40-year-old was restricted to a bench role with the Clippers, playing under 15 minutes and averaging just 2.9 points and 3.3 assists per game this campaign.

Chris Paul has not decided on his next move

A lot of the decisions made in the NBA are not in the players’ hands, just like the blockbuster Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis trade from last season. But it was Paul who gave the franchise, which was always looked down upon by its cross-town rivals, the Los Angeles Lakers, relevance. 

Chris Paul has announced 2025-26 will be last season
Chris Paul (Image via Complex Sports/X)

Meanwhile, Paul sat down for an interview with Good Sports hosts Kevin Hart and Keenan Thompson and made it clear that while he is staying ready, his next move isn’t decided.

I’m working out and training every day. In all honesty, with the way that stuff went down, for me, I just love this game so much that I don’t want it to end like that. I’ve enjoyed the time, for sure. I get a chance to go to my kids’ games, but I don’t know what team I hope to finish with.

Although Paul is away from the Clippers, he’s still on the team’s roster. Hence, the Clippers would have to trade the 40-year-old veteran. If they don’t before the deadline, he could be waived, making him a free agent.

Which clubs would be interested in Chris Paul?

While Paul may not be the player he once was, he still brings leadership to the locker room, which could benefit some young, inexperienced teams. The former Phoenix Suns guard has indicated that he is still interested in taking to the court this season.

After Paul’s unceremonious exit from the Clippers, nothing happened immediately because for a newly signed player to be traded, it had to be Dec. 15, and it wasn’t yet. But now, the NBA trade deadline is in less than two weeks, and nothing has happened. The Clippers may want to trade Paul, as they would get some value for him.

There were reports that the Minnesota Timberwolves and Houston Rockets may be interested in his services. Both teams are strong contenders in the Western Conference this season and could benefit from Paul’s leadership. It also presents the perfect opportunity for the veteran to end his 21-year career with an NBA championship.

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