The LA Clippers have made a surprising decision regarding Chris Paul, putting his future with the team in question.
The Clippers put together the oldest roster in NBA history this summer, bringing in Chris Paul, Bradley Beal and Brook Lopez to join Kawhi Leonard and James Harden.
Paul is returning to the Clippers after eight years. Many consider him one of the best players their franchise has ever had.
Given Paul’s status with the team and his likely retirement on the horizon, there was an expectation that he would be treated well by their organisation. But it seems their feeling isn’t shared by everyone in management.
Chris Paul released by LA Clippers ahead of retirement
In the early hours of Wednesday, NBA insider Chris Haynes reported that the LA Clippers are releasing Chris Paul.
The team also released a statement addressing their decision, making it clear that while Paul is now a free agent, they don’t hold him responsible for their poor 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.”
Chris Paul’s release sparks questions over his next move
Paul is now a free agent, but the real question is whether he’ll look to join another team or simply call time on his career.
He’s 41 and has nothing left to prove. Many fans would prefer not to see him play another minute in an NBA jersey after this.
If this is the end for Paul, he deserves more than what the Clippers gave him, which was little more than an unremarkable finish to a Hall of Fame career. That’s not how a player of his stature should bow out.
A move back to New Orleans, where it all began, could give him the farewell he deserves. He should have a say in how his career wraps up.
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