Clippers head coach Ty Lue is downplaying speculation a huge beef with Chris Paul led to the future Hall of Famer's exit ... telling reporters he was in communication with the NBA star prior to the shocking move.
The longtime coach was bombarded with CP3 questions at practice on Tuesday ... with reporters trying to figure out more information about the decision.
One report suggested Lue and Paul were not on speaking terms before the team kicked the hooper to the curb .