Carmelo Anthony delivered a pointed message about how aging stars are being handled across the league, tying Chris Paul’s abrupt separation from the Clippers to what he believes awaits Russell Westbrook, DeMar DeRozan, and Anthony Davis.
Anthony said on 7PM in Brooklyn, “It’s about to happen to Russ, DeMar DeRozan, and AD. The next trade AD has, it’s downhill from there. The way the legends of our game gets treated is f*cked up.”
His comments arrived on the heels of a stunning move by the Clippers, who sent Paul home on December 2 in a decision that immediately dominated league conversations.
ESPN reported that tension between Paul and the organization over leadership and accountability pushed the relationship to its breaking point.
Shams Charania noted in a post that “Chris Paul and his leadership style clashed with the Clippers… Paul has been vocal in holding management, coaches, and players accountable, which the team felt became disruptive.”
Chris Haynes added that Paul had attempted to meet with head coach Tyronn Lue to discuss accusations that he was a negative presence, but Lue declined, and “Lawrence Frank traveled to Atlanta to deliver news of parting ways. Paul desired final season to be with Clippers.”
The Clippers clarified in a formal statement that Paul “will no longer be with the team,” emphasizing the decision was unrelated to their 5–16 start and acknowledging organizational responsibility for the struggles.
Paul, 40, had already announced the 2025–26 season would be his last, closing a career that includes 12 All-Star appearances and more than 1,300 games with New Orleans, the Clippers, Houston, Oklahoma City, and Phoenix.
His role this season diminished to 14.2 minutes and 2.6 points per game as he backed up James Harden, who was averaging 27.7 points and 8.7 assists.
Kawhi Leonard was adding 25.4 points and Ivica Zubac contributed 11.5 rebounds, yet the team remains stuck near the bottom of the Western Conference.
The Mavericks are evaluating trade options for Davis, who arrived in February 2025 in the blockbuster deal that sent Luka Doncic to the Lakers.
There are no active rumors involving Westbrook, who signed with the Kings for the 2025–26 season, though DeRozan has been linked to potential Clippers interest.
Paul’s exit provides the latest example, and Anthony believes it will not be the last.
