Warriors forward Draymond Green, who shared the court with Paul last season, blasted Los Angeles for releasing the veteran point guard in the middle of a dismal 5-16 start.

On his podcast, Green highlighted the late-night timing of the announcement, framing it as a harsh reminder that even icons face disposable treatment. He argued that Paul's push for accountability from coaches, management and teammates became a liability once results soured.​

Reports surfaced of locker room friction, with Paul's vocal style reportedly clashing amid the team's struggles and coach Ty Lue's preferences. Green stressed that vocal leadership works in winning environments but turns toxic in losing ones.​

Clippers' Messy Handling Draws Heat

The decision followed a three-hour late-night meeting between Paul and team president Lawrence Frank, ending Paul's brief return to the franchise.

Clippers executives denied blaming Paul alone for the skid, praising his legacy while parting ways to refocus. Paul, now 40 and on a farewell tour, transitioned from starter to bench role as his production dipped to career lows.​

Green's commentary amplified widespread criticism, positioning the move as a business-first call over loyalty to a Lob City architect.​

Broader Warning for League Veterans

Green urged players to take note, questioning how organizations value experience when urgency hits. If a future Hall of Famer like Paul gets cut without trade exploration, it signals vulnerability for all.

The episode echoes recent blockbusters, underscoring the NBA's cutthroat reality where no tenure shields against roster overhauls. Paul's next steps remain unclear, but Green's voice ensures the debate lingers.