NBA legend Chris Paul sounds off on Clippers for 'disrespectful' shocking decision last season

The Los Angeles Clippers were recently punished by the NBA for providing Kawhi Leonard with improper benefits related to an endorsement deal. The Clippers received severe penalties, including losing a significant portion of their future first-round draft picks.

The organization also made a shocking decision last season when it signed Chris Paul, only to release him in the middle of the season.

“You can only wonder what transpired behind the scenes for the Clippers to make a decision in the middle of the night to send Paul back to LA while the team is in Atlanta to play the Hawks. With this release, Paul at least has a chance to finish his career in a better situation... that is if another team comes calling,” USA Today’s Prince J. Grimes wrote.

It turns out Paul and head coach Tyronn Lue had some issues behind the scenes. According to reports, Lue refused to meet with Paul when the veteran requested a conversation.

“Weeks ago Chris Paul requested to have a meeting with Tyronn Lue to discuss allegations of being a negative presence on team. Lue refused to meet with him. Lawrence Frank traveled to Atlanta to deliver news of parting ways. Paul desired final season to be with Clippers,” NBA reporter Chris Haynes posted.

Recently, Paul appeared on the Build or Break Podcast, where he opened up about what happened. Paul revealed that he felt the Clippers' decision was one of the most disrespectful experiences of his career.

“It’s probably one of the most disrespectful things that I’ve endured… It lets you know that, no matter what you do, or what you’ve done, nobody cares,” Paul said.

The 12-time All-Star meant a great deal to the organization and played some of the most impactful basketball of his career during his time with the Clippers. Last season was supposed to serve as something of a farewell tour for Paul, but instead, it became a situation that left many people stunned.

For Paul, the most painful part may have been that an organization he trusted and gave so much to ultimately handled his departure in that manner. The decision may have permanently damaged the relationship between Paul and the Clippers, especially after he expected to finish his career in Los Angeles. Paul gave the organization some of the best years of his career, making the way his tenure ended even more difficult.