Clippers' disrespectful Chris Paul move hints at crystal clear sense of dysfunction

The LA Clippers just did the unthinkable. On Wednesday, at three in the morning, in the middle of a five-game road trip, they sent Chris Paul home due to unknown reasons not related to an injury or suspension. The franchise's all-time assists leader, a 12-time All-Star, a future Hall of Famer in his final season, found out and posted on Instagram that his services were no longer needed for the organization he helped bring to relevance in the 2010s.

Paul stated: "Just Found Out I'm Being Sent Home." Hours later, the Clippers confirmed they were parting ways with him entirely. Because he is a franchise icon, this might be the most classless move in recent NBA history.

Clippers completely disregarded Chris Paul's greatness

Chris Paul is one of the best players the LA Clippers have ever had, and the stats back it up. He's the franchise's all-time leader in total assists and total steals. He holds single-season records for assists per game (11.6 in 2007-08), steals per game (2.8 in 2008-09), and free throw percentage (.934 in 2020-21). He was the foundation of Clippers basketball for over a decade.

Paul spent six seasons with the franchise from 2011 to 2017, transforming them from a laughingstock into a perennial playoff contender. He averaged 18.8 points and 10.2 assists during his first stint, made four All-Star teams, and was the engine that drove the Clippers to relevance. Additionally, he's second all-time in NBA assists and steals.

When he signed a one-year, $3.6 million deal this past offseason to finish his career where it all turned around, it seemed like a perfect storybook ending. He called the move a "no-brainer" and announced he'd be retiring at the end of the season.

And now, after playing 16 games into his farewell tour, the Clippers have unceremoniously dumped him to the curb.

The Clippers removed quality leadership from a burning building

The LA Clippers are 5-16, second-worst in the Western Conference. They've lost five straight and eight of their last nine. With the locker room in shambles, veterans checked out, and young players playing minimally, the franchise responds by taking away one of the few actual leaders they have left.

According to Chris Haynes, Paul was considered "one of the few leaders in the locker room." He's a 40-year-old who's been in every situation imaginable over 21 NBA seasons. He's been to the NBA Finals, dealt with injuries, and navigated adversity. His voice carries weight, and this team needs veteran stability more than ever.

Instead, the Clippers decided less leadership is the answer. Because if there's one thing a 5-16 team in complete freefall needs, it's fewer voices of reason.

Thus, the optics are catastrophic. Every current and future free agent is watching, and stars who considered LA as a destination are taking notes. Ultimately, what they're seeing is a franchise that treats its greatest player in history like garbage during his retirement tour.

Chris Paul's legacy is ended with a stain that may be irreparable

Here's the most damaging question: Do the LA Clippers even retire Chris Paul's jersey after this fiasco? You'd think it would be a no-brainer, right? He's a franchise great. But how do you honor someone you just kicked to the curb during his final season? The jersey retirement ceremony would be painfully awkward: "Thanks for everything, Chris. Sorry, we sent you home mid-road trip, but here's your jersey in the rafters!"

This move has permanently made Paul's relationship with the Clippers sour going forward, to put things lightly. Paul wanted to retire as a Clipper, and took a massive pay cut to finish his career with dignity. The Clippers repaid him by cutting him loose in the most disrespectful way possible.

So what happens now? Does Paul sign with a contender for a minimum deal and chase a ring? Does he retire early and walk away? Lawrence Frank said they'll "work with him on the next step of his career," and Paul should deservedly go to the best situation possible for him.

What's clear is that the Clippers have reached rock bottom. They're a trainwreck with no plan, no leadership, and no dignity. Sending Chris Paul home mid-road trip during his retirement tour defines organizational breakdown. And the worst part? It won't change anything. The Clippers will still be 5-16, and a team near the 15th seed in the Western Conference. But now they'll be all those things without their franchise legend, and every player in the league will remember how they treated him.