Donovan Mitchell Addresses Chris Paul's Sudden, Disappointing Retirement

Lately, the NBA has been buzzing due to the trade deadline, the All-Star Game and all the talk of tanking, so one story that hasn't quite gotten the coverage it may have deserved was the retirement of NBA legend Chris Paul. Before the 2025/26 campaign, he revealed it would be his last season, and after signing with the Clippers, many were hoping for a massive farewell for CP3.

Unfortunately, things didn't quite go to plan, and after he was waived, the expectation was that he would look to sign a free agency deal to chase an NBA Championship in his final year. Instead, he announced his retirement following a career that spanned two decades, ending as one of the best point guards the league has ever seen, even if he was unable to capture a Championship throughout his illustrious career.

The sudden, disappointing retirement was no doubt frustrating for not only Paul but many players in the NBA, and now Cleveland Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell has addressed it, calling it 'messed up' that Paul couldn't find a home after leaving LA.

“To see his career end the way did, I think it’s BS. 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.”

This is the belief of many fans and players, as Paul deserved an incredible sendoff after being one of this generations best players, and while he didn't get that respect this year, he'll no doubt be remembered fondly by everyone that got to watch him play.