Los Angeles Clippers’ stars James Harden and Kawhi Leonard admitted that they were shocked by the franchise’s decision to part ways with Chris Paul.

Veteran point guard Paul was told the decision during the Clippers’ current road trip.

They defeated the Atlanta Hawks 115-92 on Wednesday to end a five-game losing run.

Paul averaged career lows of 2.9 points, 3.3 assists and 1.8 rebounds this season, but reportedly clashed with head coach Ty Lue and other leadership members due to his vocal criticism of the team this term.

Harden, who scored 27 points and registered nine assists in the win over the Hawks, revealed he was surprised when he heard the news about Paul.

“I'm just as confused and shocked as you guys, the world,” said Harden.

HARDEN FOR 3 AT THE ! pic.twitter.com/IHqHWTJOYL

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“Definitely surprised me. But not just Chris, it's a lot that we were dealing with. But that is out of my hands.

“I've 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 organisation.”

And Leonard, who contributed with 21 points, six rebounds and five assists against the Hawks, added: “It was shocking to me.

“I guess they had a conversation, and [the] front office made a decision.”

Paul also played for the Clippers from the 2011-12 campaign through to 2016-17, helping the franchise reach three Western Conference semi-finals while earning six All-Star selections.

He ranks second in NBA history in both career assists (12,552) and steals (2,728), trailing only John Stockton (15,806 assists, 3,265 steals) in both categories.