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Warriors Release Paul to Manage Finances

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/10/warriors-release-paul-to-manage-finances.html
  Published in House and Home on Tuesday, February 10th 2026 at 16:30 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: California, Missouri, Texas, UNITED STATES

The Warriors' Roster Puzzle and the Quick Waiver

Why acquire a future Hall of Famer only to release him almost immediately? The answer lies in the Warriors' precarious financial situation and their desire to maintain roster flexibility. Golden State, despite their dynasty years, faces significant luxury tax concerns. Adding Paul's contract, even with the possibility of restructuring, would have pushed them dangerously close to - or even over - the league's hard cap. Waiving Paul allowed the Warriors to avoid those penalties, freeing up cap space to potentially pursue other, more cost-effective players or develop young talent. It was a cold, calculated business decision, acknowledging Paul's talent while prioritizing long-term financial health.

The Clippers' Gamble: A Second Chance for "CP3"

This is where the story takes a sentimental turn. Chris Paul's return to the Clippers isn't about maximizing cap space or acquiring future assets; it's about bringing experience, leadership, and a familiar presence to a team with championship aspirations. Paul previously led the Clippers from 2011 to 2017, forging a strong connection with the franchise and its fanbase. Signing him on a veteran's minimum contract was a surprisingly low-risk, high-reward move for the Clippers. He provides invaluable mentorship for younger players like Terance Mann and Brandon Boston Jr., and his court vision and playmaking ability can elevate the team's offensive efficiency.

However, the fact that he signed for the minimum, after earning significant money throughout his career, signals a shift in priorities for Paul. While still capable of contributing at a high level, he clearly values being in a competitive environment and contributing to a potential championship run more than a large paycheck. He's willing to accept a reduced role and salary to chase one last title.

The Current Situation: Personal Leave and Uncertain Future

And then, the latest development: Paul being sent home for "personal reasons." This is, understandably, the most concerning aspect of the entire saga. The Clippers have been intentionally vague, respecting Paul's privacy, but the indefinite nature of his leave raises serious questions about his future availability. While details remain scarce, the team's decision to allow him time away suggests the issue is significant and requires his full attention. It's important to remember that athletes are humans first, and personal matters always take precedence.

The Clippers now face a difficult situation. They brought Paul in to be a key piece of their championship puzzle, and his absence will undoubtedly be felt on and off the court. The team will need to rely on other point guards like Russell Westbrook and Norman Powell to fill the void, and they may need to consider exploring additional free-agent options if Paul's absence extends for an extended period.

What's next?

The immediate future is uncertain. We can only hope that Chris Paul is able to address his personal matters and return to the Clippers when he's ready. The Clippers organization has shown support for him, and it's likely they'll be patient. However, basketball is a business, and the team also has a responsibility to compete. This situation is a stark reminder that even in the high-stakes world of professional sports, life happens, and sometimes the most important battles are fought off the court.