Announced! Goodbye Paul! The Clippers abruptly terminate the contract...

What’s the situation?

Insider Haynes: The Clippers sent Paul home in a puzzling decision intended to end the contract.

Paul updated his personal social media, stating: "Just learned that I was sent home."

Immediately after, the Clippers officially announced they had terminated Paul’s contract.Team president Lawrence Frank released a statement saying: "No one holds Paul accountable for the team's struggles; I accept full responsibility."

Extremely sudden, Paul’s second stint with the Clippers ended in confusion... This summer offseason, Paul returned to the Clippers on a one-year, $3.6 million deal, and from December 15 Beijing time, he could be traded.

So far this season, Paul has played 16 games, averaging 14.3 minutes, with 2.9 points, 1.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1 turnover per game; his shooting percentages are 32.1%, 33.3%, and 50%. He planned to retire after this season.However, the Clippers were unwilling to even grant him a dignified retirement.

Paul, born May 6, 1985, now 40 years old, was the 4th overall pick in the 2005 draft. His NBA career honors include Rookie of the Year, 11 All-NBA selections, 9 All-Defensive Team nods, 5 assists titles, 6 steals titles, 12 All-Star appearances, and 2 Olympic gold medals with Team USA, among others.

Such a highly decorated veteran being cast aside during his final chapter is hard to accept and shows a lack of respect, which will severely damage the Clippers' reputation.

The clearing out of Paul might just be the beginning of major changes for the Clippers. With a 5-16 record placing them second to last in the Western Conference, their playoff hopes are precarious. They may opt for a rebuild, but their unprotected first-round pick next year is held by the Thunder.

Currently, the Clippers’ most trade-valuable player is Harden, who is averaging 26.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, 8.4 assists, 4.1 turnovers, and 1 steal per game, shooting 43.5% overall and 36.9% from three on 3.6 attempts per game. His salary this season is $39.18 million, with a $42.32 million contract for next season.