NBA news: Chris Paul departs from struggling Clippers in late-night shocker

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The Los Angeles Clippers are parting ways with veteran point guard Chris Paul in a stunning move announced early Wednesday morning.

Nearly two weeks after Paul hinted that this season with the Clippers would likely be his last NBA season, Paul took to social media at around 3 a.m. to reveal that the team was sending him home before their road game against the Atlanta Hawks.

“Just found out I’m being sent home,” Paul wrote in an Instagram Story with a peace emoji.

Lawrence Frank, the Clippers’ top basketball executive, issued a statement confirming Paul’s departure and indicated that the team will attempt to trade Paul, who signed a $3.6 million deal to rejoin the team.

“We are parting ways with Chris, and he will no longer be a part of the team,” he said, via The Associated Press. “We will work with him on the next step of his career. Chris is a legendary Clipper who has had a historic career.”

Paul is playing in his 21st NBA season. Last month reports speculated that this year would be his final season before retirement, a rumor that he seemingly confirmed with a post on social media that read in part “What a ride…Still so much left…GRATEFUL for this last one!!”

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But offseason projections of being championship contenders have quickly faded this season as the Clippers sit at 5-16. Paul, a future Hall of Famer, has averaged career lows with 2.6. points and 3.3 assists per game. He is also averaging 14.3 minutes per game.

In his statement, Frank said the team was not “blaming” Paul for their lackluster start.

“I want to make one thing very clear. No one is blaming Chris for our underperformance. I accept responsibility for the record we have right now. There are a lot of reasons why we’ve struggled. We’re grateful for the impact Chris has made on the franchise.”