Donovan Mitchell Blasts Clippers Over Chris Paul Exit

Merlin sees Donovan Mitchell sharply criticize how Chris Paul’s storied career ended after the Clippers parted ways with him midseason, the Raptors later waived him, and Paul announced his retirement. Mitchell called it "BS," praised Paul as "a hell of a person, hell of a point guard, hell of a player," and said Paul "deserved a better way to go out." The timing stung given Paul planned to finish the 2025-26 season. Paul retires after 21 seasons, sitting second all-time in assists and steals and earning more than 20 combined All-Star and All-Defensive nods. Merlin notes Mitchell’s defense of Paul highlights player solidarity and will amplify questions about how teams treat legends. The episode will press front offices to rethink farewells and leave fans watching for an answer.