Chris Paul's NBA retirement tour this season has hit a small snag.
The 12-time All-Star was released by the Clippers late Tuesday night in a bizarre and shocking move that has NBA fans scratching their heads. While no reason for Paul's release has been given as of yet, the Clippers did share a frank statement on waiving the veteran point guard: "No one is blaming Chris for our underperformance. ... We’re grateful for the impact Chris has made on the franchise."
Paul also posted on his Instagram Stories in the middle of the night that he was being let go by the franchise, writing "Just Found Out I’m Being Sent Home" along with a peace emoji.
What we know so far is that the decision is not Paul's, nor was it initiated by Paul, according to The Athletic.
Given the mysterious and abrupt circumstances of Paul's release, NBA fans were quick to criticize the Clippers for treating a future Hall of Famer poorly, with many claiming the organization did him dirty with an all-time classless move:
Chris Paul, a future Hall of Famer I expected to be the first Clipper to get his jersey retired one day, getting sent home at this stage is one of the most astonishing things I’ve seen covering this league.
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) December 3, 2025
We all knew the Clippers had no idea how to win. But now we know they have no idea how to lose. I hope Pablo Torre finds everything out about this loser ass organization.
— Jason Gallagher (@jga41agher) December 3, 2025
Sure, the NBA is a business and there are decisions that need to be made without emotion involved…
But the Clippers have 0 retired jerseys. Blake Griffin and Chris Paul are the two greatest players in franchise history.
Blake was shipped to Detroit just months after getting a…
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) December 3, 2025
The clippers releasing Chris Paul with no warning during his last NBA season is absolutely despicable. Quite literally your best player in franchise history and you do tht??? Inexcusable and tasteless
— Goodzzz (@Dagoodzzz) December 3, 2025
Chris Paul got waived at 3 AM in the middle of his farewell tour by the Clippers where he’s recognized as an all time franchise player. Have we ever seen someone done this dirty 😭 https://t.co/jwwNnPKVoy pic.twitter.com/iGEjmqIPP5
— Bino (@AnimeGuru100) December 3, 2025
I don’t care how bad the team is playing or the fact that he’s been struggling
Sending a franchise legend and an all time great home in his final season after he picked to play there is weak as hell
Hope Chris Paul can end up somewhere competitive before the end of the season https://t.co/RgSkAMrDWt
— 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒆 🌩 (@Three_Cone) December 3, 2025
There is NO WAY Chris Paul should be treated like this. His locker room presence would help some players out and he should be celebrated in every city
If Ballmer wants to build culture this isn’t the way to treat the greatest player in franchise history https://t.co/pcFtjBnG66
— LegendOfWinning (@LegendOfWinning) December 3, 2025
I am genuinely in disbelief man. You’re depriving arguably the greatest player to ever wear your jersey a retirement tour for nothing. The season is already cooked. At least give the fans the ability to watch a player they grew up watching’s last minutes in the NBA and give one…
— ᵂᴵᴸᴸ (@BiasedHouston) December 3, 2025
Paul, 40, was playing in his 21st season in the NBA after signing a one-year deal in July to return to the Clippers. He didn't start a game for the Clippers this campaign and averaged just 2.9 points and 3.3 assists across 16 appearances.
Though the Clippers are off to an awful 5-16 start, it’s still a bit odd the organization would choose now to oust one of the undisputed leaders of the locker room, as well as someone who’s the Clipper’s franchise leader in total assists and steals per game. Expect more details of Paul’s release to come out in the following days.
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