It appears the LA Clippers have chosen to send Chris Paul into early retirement with their latest move.
The LA Clippers built the oldest roster in NBA history this summer, when they signed Chris Paul, Bradley Beal, and Brook Lopez in free agency.
The Clippers paired these veteran players with Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, two other players on the wrong side of 30.
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Chris Paul returned to the Clippers after eight years, when he was traded to the Houston Rockets. Many believe he is one of, if not the greatest player, in the history of the franchise.
This is why a player like Paul would presumably be treated well by the franchise, especially considering Paul’s impending retirement. But it appears the Clippers’ front office doesn’t share this sentiment.
LA Clippers parting ways with Chris Paul prior to his retirement
In the early hours of Wednesday morning, NBA insider Chris Haynes reported that the LA Clippers are parting ways with Chris Paul.
The Clippers also made a statement about the decision to release Chris Paul, acknowledging that the star is a free agent, and that they do not blame him for their dire start to the season.
“We are parting ways with Chris, and he will no longer be with the team. We will work with him on the next step of his career.
“Chris is a legendary Clipper who has had a historic career. I want to make one thing very clear. No one is blaming Chris for our underperformance.
“I accept responsibility for the record we have right now. There are a lot of reasons why we’ve struggled. We’re grateful for the impact Chris has made on the franchise.”
Will Chris Paul join a new team to complete his retirement tour?
One would imagine that Chris Paul is either a free agent after this move or at least in a position to demand a move away from the LA Clippers.
But given his age and where he is in his career, there have to be serious questions about whether Paul will try to play out the remainder of his season.
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For a player as great as Paul, this would be an unceremonious and disappointing end to his career. And he deserves to ride off into the sunset on his own terms.
Perhaps Paul could return to the New Orleans Pelicans, the city where he started his NBA career, and end things the way he wants to.
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