Chris Paul's farewell tour just took an unexpected detour.
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
Late Tuesday night, the Clippers made the stunning decision to waive the 12-time All-Star, sending shockwaves through the NBA world and leaving fans with more questions than answers. The move came without much explanation - just a brief team statement acknowledging Paul’s contributions and emphasizing that the veteran wasn’t being blamed for the team’s early-season struggles.
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
“No one is blaming Chris for our underperformance,” the Clippers said. “We’re grateful for the impact Chris has made on the franchise.”
Sure, the NBA is a business and there are decisions that need to be made without emotion involved…
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) December 3, 2025
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…
Paul, clearly blindsided by the decision, took to Instagram in the early hours to share the news himself, posting “Just Found Out I’m Being Sent Home” with a peace emoji. According to reports, the decision to part ways was not mutual - this wasn’t Paul calling it quits or asking out. This was a front office move, and it caught even Paul off guard.
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
And that’s where things get messy.
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
The reaction around the league was swift and emotional. Fans and analysts alike questioned how a franchise could handle a respected veteran - a future Hall of Famer - in such a blunt and unceremonious way.
I don’t care how bad the team is playing or the fact that he’s been struggling
— 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒆 🌩 (@Three_Cone) December 3, 2025
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
After all, Paul isn't just any player. He’s one of the most accomplished point guards in NBA history, and even in a limited role, he brought leadership, experience, and a deep connection to the Clippers organization.
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
— LegendOfWinning (@LegendOfWinning) December 3, 2025
If Ballmer wants to build culture this isn’t the way to treat the greatest player in franchise history https://t.co/pcFtjBnG66
Let’s not forget: Paul is the Clippers’ all-time leader in assists and steals per game. He helped elevate the franchise during the "Lob City" era and has long been seen as one of the most respected voices in the locker room. So, while his on-court production this season was modest - 2.9 points and 3.3 assists over 16 games - his presence went far beyond the box score.
And yes, the Clippers are off to a brutal 5-16 start. But cutting ties with a player like Paul midseason, especially under these circumstances, feels more like a message than a basketball decision. Whether that message was intended or not, it’s been received loud and clear by fans and players around the league.
This was supposed to be a graceful final chapter for one of the game’s greats. Instead, it’s turned into a puzzling moment that’s left the basketball world wondering: Why now? Why like this?
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
More details will surely emerge in the coming days, and maybe the Clippers will offer more context. But for now, the move stands as one of the more surprising and controversial roster decisions of the season - a jarring turn in what was meant to be a victory lap for one of the NBA’s most respected veterans.