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Chris Paul has opened up about the bitter ending to his final season with the Los Angeles Clippers, describing the way the organization handled his departure as “one of the most disrespectful” experiences of his NBA career.

Speaking on the Build or Break podcast, the recently retired 12-time All-Star reflected on the abrupt end of his second stint with the Clippers and revealed that the situation affected not only him but also his wife, children and wider family circle.

Paul Was Sent Home During the Season

Paul returned to the Clippers in the summer of 2025, hoping to finish his 21-year NBA career with the franchise where he had established himself as one of the most influential players in its history.

Instead, the relationship ended abruptly.

After appearing in 16 games during the 2025-26 season, Paul was sent home by the Clippers in December. He was averaging 2.9 points, 1.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 14.2 minutes per game at the time.

The Clippers later traded him to the Toronto Raptors at the February trade deadline. Toronto waived him eight days later, and Paul ultimately retired after 21 NBA seasons.

“One of the Most Disrespectful Things”

Looking back on the experience, Paul said the way the situation was handled left a particularly painful impression.

He explained that although he was obviously upset, the impact extended to his family because they were closely following what was happening around the team.

Paul also questioned whether the years of investment he and his family had made in the Clippers organization ultimately mattered.

The veteran guard said the experience taught him a difficult lesson: regardless of what a player has done for an organization, circumstances can change very quickly.

A Complicated Relationship With the Clippers

Paul’s history with the Clippers makes the ending particularly striking.

He originally joined Los Angeles in 2011 and became one of the central figures of the franchise’s Lob City era alongside Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan. The team enjoyed six consecutive winning seasons during his first stint and reached a level of success that had been unusual for the franchise.

Paul left the Clippers in 2017 but returned eight years later for what was expected to be the final chapter of his career.

Instead, the reunion lasted only 16 games.

Why the Clippers Moved On

Paul’s comments describe the situation from his perspective, but the basketball context was also significant.

The 40-year-old guard was in his 21st NBA season and was producing at a much lower level than during his prime. The Clippers were also struggling early in the campaign.

The organization ultimately decided that Paul would no longer be part of the team’s active plans, leading to his departure from the roster and eventual trade.

Paul’s comments therefore reflect his personal experience of how the decision was communicated and handled, rather than a claim that the Clippers had no basketball reason to make a change.

The End of a Hall of Fame Career

Despite the disappointing final chapter, Paul’s career remains one of the most accomplished in NBA history.

He finished with 12 All-Star selections, four All-NBA First Team selections and ranks among the league’s all-time leaders in assists and steals. He also won two Olympic gold medals with Team USA.

His return to Los Angeles was supposed to provide a fitting farewell to the franchise that helped define his prime.

Instead, it became one of the most painful episodes of his career.

Paul Has Now Closed the Chapter

Paul has made it clear that he has moved into the next phase of his life following his retirement.

But his latest comments show that the circumstances surrounding his Clippers exit still carry emotional weight.

For a player who spent more than two decades building relationships across the NBA, the way his final chapter in Los Angeles unfolded clearly left a lasting impression.

Chris Paul may have retired from basketball, but his comments make it clear that his final Clippers chapter is something he will remember for a long time.