The Los Angeles Clippers quickly responded to an ESPN report that Chris Paul was unhappy with the organization with how he was being portrayed as responsible for the decision to fire Vinny Del Negro.

"The decision not to extend a contract to Vinny Del Negro was an organizational decision from the top down," Clippers vice president of basketball operations Gary Sacks said. "Our front office evaluated the season and Vinny's three years here before making this move, and our conclusion and feeling was that we needed a change."

Donald Sterling had suggested in an interview with the Los Angeles Times that the Del Negro decision was to appease Paul and Blake Griffin.

Paul can sign a five-year, $108 million contract with the Clippers as a free agent.