Donovan Mitchell Slams Clippers Over Chris Paul Retirement

Merlin sees Donovan Mitchell upset that Chris Paul’s Hall of Fame career ended in a rush after the Clippers split with him midseason and the Raptors quickly waived him. Mitchell told Andscape, "To see the career end the way it did, I think it's BS," and added that "He's a hell of a person, hell of a point guard," saying Paul "wasn't given that opportunity" to exit properly. Merlin notes the facts: Paul played 21 seasons, ranks second all time in assists and steals, and earned more than 20 combined All-Star and All-Defensive honors. With plans to retire after the season derailed by the Clippers parting ways, the abrupt finish has stirred talk about how teams treat legends. Merlin senses this will spark debates on respect, roster handling, and how the league honors its elders.