The Los Angeles Clippers are in the middle of a season that’s unraveling fast. At 5-16, they’re struggling to find any rhythm on the court - and now, they’ve been dealt a gut punch off of it. Chris Paul, the veteran point guard and one of the most respected floor generals of his generation, has officially announced his retirement after 21 seasons in the NBA.
Paul shared the news in an emotional video, reflecting on a journey that began with the 2005 NBA Draft and spanned over two decades of elite-level basketball. From his early days with the New Orleans Hornets to his stints in Houston, Phoenix, and eventually back in Los Angeles - this time in Clippers red and blue - Paul’s career has been a masterclass in leadership, precision, and longevity.
But the way it’s ending? That’s what’s hitting fans the hardest.
In a brief Instagram story, Paul simply wrote, “Just Found Out I’m Being Sent Home.” It was a quiet, almost jarring note from a player who’s always handled his business with professionalism and poise. And it’s sparked a wave of frustration and disbelief among NBA fans, especially those who feel the Clippers missed a chance to honor one of their all-time greats.
Let’s be clear: Chris Paul didn’t just play for the Clippers - he helped define an era for them. Those “Lob City” years alongside Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan didn’t bring a championship, but they brought relevance, excitement, and a level of competitiveness the franchise hadn’t seen in decades. Paul was the engine of that team, the one who elevated the Clippers from punchline to playoff mainstay.
That’s why the silence around his retirement is so deafening.
There was no official farewell tour. No jersey tributes.
No video montages at halftime. Just a quiet exit in the middle of a chaotic season - and fans noticed.
Social media lit up with reactions ranging from disappointment to outright anger.
“What kind of farewell tour is this?” one fan wrote, echoing the sentiment of many who expected more from the franchise.
Another added, “Lmaoo bro got the ‘we’ll call you’ treatment from his own team,” capturing the sense that Paul’s exit felt more like a quiet release than a celebration of a legendary career.
Some fans even drew comparisons to other franchises, imagining how unthinkable it would be for a team like the Nuggets to treat a star like Nikola Jokic the same way. “Imagine the Nuggets waiving 40-year-old Jokic. I think Josh Kroenke would choke out the GM on sight,” one user quipped.
The frustration wasn’t just about Paul - it was about what he meant to the Clippers. “This how you treat someone that brought your franchise its only relevant years?”
a fan posted. “Clippers are pathetic.”
Now, to be fair, the Clippers are in a tough spot. The team is underperforming, and with the trade deadline looming, they’re likely exploring roster changes to salvage what they can from this season. But Paul’s retirement - especially without fanfare - feels like a missed opportunity to honor a player who gave so much to the game, and to this franchise in particular.
At 40 years old, Paul walks away from the NBA with a résumé that speaks for itself: 12-time All-Star, perennial All-NBA selection, and one of the smartest point guards the league has ever seen. His impact went far beyond the box score. He was a teacher, a competitor, and a leader - the kind of player who elevated everyone around him.
And while this chapter didn’t end with the storybook finish fans might’ve hoped for, Chris Paul’s legacy is already cemented. Whether or not the Clippers gave him the send-off he deserved, the basketball world knows exactly who he is: a legend, through and through.