In a multi-team trade, Chris Paul has been sent to the Toronto Raptors following a tumultuous second spell with the Los Angeles Clippers this season.
Paul is not required to play for the Raptors, and it’s looking more likely his NBA career is over as we know it.
Lou Williams Calls Out the Disregard for Chris Paul
Speaking on the ‘Run it Back’ show, former Clippers guard Lou Williams said, “I can’t help but feel a way for Chris Paul. This is a Hall of Famer, this is somebody who has been legendary in our game, and a lot of guards have based their games off his.”
Paul was ousted from the Clippers overnight at the beginning of December, announcing he wouldn’t continue with the team in the future. Shortly after his Instagram announcement, Clippers President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank sent a text to ESPN confirming the news.
“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.” Paul and coach Ty Lue hadn’t spoken to each other in several weeks, with Paul’s leadership style apparently clashing with Lue’s coaching.
He played 16 games for the Clippers this season, averaging 2.9 points and 3.3 assists per game in what is his final season in the NBA.
Williams further added, “When you’re on your way out of the door, you want to be celebrated, and so right now, I just hate the way this looks. In a perfect world, I hope OKC or the Spurs…somewhere he can land as a feel-good story. … You don’t kick a man while he’s down with the accomplishments CP3 has.”
The Raptors are expecting to cut the 12-time All-Star, making him an unrestricted free agent. The future remains uncertain for the veteran point guard, but whatever happens, his career as an all-time great is already cemented.
Paul is an 11-time All-NBA member, including four All-NBA First Team nods. He is also a nine-time All-Defensive member in his career. He was the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2006 and was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021.
The ‘Point God’ is a five-time NBA season assists leader and a six-time season steals leader, showcasing his incredible ability on both ends of the floor. The two-time Olympic gold medallist has only missed an MVP award and an NBA championship in his storied career in the league.
He finished in the top 10 of MVP voting eight times, with his highest finish in 2008, when he finished second to Kobe Bryant. He reached the NBA Finals once, leading the Phoenix Suns in 2021, but losing in six games to the Milwaukee Bucks after taking a 2-0 series lead. If it is the end, what a career it’s been.
