One of the more interesting and unfortunate stories in the NBA during the 2025-26 season has been the turn of events for future Hall of Famer Chris Paul, formerly of the Los Angeles Clippers.
Things seemed to be working out in Los Angeles with Paul getting a chance to finish out his career where he had the most success in the league, but then seemingly out of nowhere, the 40-year-old star point guard was told to go home.
It marked the end of Paul’s second stint with the Clippers and, ultimately, his career, as he recently retired after being traded to and waived by the Toronto Raptors.
Donovan Mitchell Reacts to How Chris Paul’s Career is Ending
GettyChris Paul #3 of the LA Clippers
With Paul being a mentor to Cleveland Cavaliers superstar Donovan Mitchell, who credits the veteran point guard for helping him reach the NBA, the perennial All-Star shared his reaction to Paul’s playing career coming to an end via Andscape.com.
“To see [Chris Paul’s] career end the way did, I think it’s BS,” Mitchell wrote. “I don’t know. I don’t see all the reports. I don’t know the ins and outs of everything. That’s not my job. But I know when you have a guy like that, there’s a level that he has to be [respected], and he wasn’t given that opportunity, which I think is messed up. But all that being said, he’s a hell of a person. Hell of a point guard. Hell of a player. He has done so much for this game. As a president of the [players’ union], he’s done so much for us. I was going to pay my respects to CP because he’s done so much for me, but also for the game of basketball.”
Clearly, Mitchell has nothing but respect for Paul and all he’s done for him and players around the league. It’s unfortunate, to say the least, how things have panned out for one of the greatest point guards in NBA history.
However, he’ll get his recognition in the years to come, as he’ll almost certainly be a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
NBA Insider Teases LeBron James’ Return to Cavs
GettyLakers’ LeBron James gets a pass off in front of Cavaliers’ Evan Mobley
Four-time NBA champion LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers has been in the headlines on a daily basis recently, with everyone speculating on what the future holds for the legendary forward.
However, all signs point to James finishing his playing career where it all started, as the Cavaliers appear to be the favorite to land him as a free agent this summer if he chooses not to retire or return to the Lakers.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst believes there’s a 99 percent chance James does return to Cleveland if he’s willing to accept a pay cut to make it happen, via ESPN Cleveland.
Windy notes that LeBron would have to probably accept a minimum contract in Cleveland.
“He would only come at a discount,” Windhorst said of James. “The only way the Cavs could add him would be to get him to play at either the minimum, or do some things to shave some salary to open the mid-level exception. If he’s able and willing, and is willing to accept that money, I think it’s 99%.”
Anything can happen between now and when James becomes a free agent during the offseason, but there seems to be a lot of momentum for him returning to the Cavaliers for his final season in the NBA.
Cavaliers Star Donovan Mitchell Shares Clear Feelings on Chris Paul Retirement