The Los Angeles Clippers axed veteran point guard Chris Paul on Wednesday, releasing the 12-time All-Star in a shock move that comes with the team struggling near the foot of the NBA standings.

Paul, 40, announced his departure in a social media post in the early hours of Wednesday, revealing he had left the Clippers during their road trip in Atlanta.

"Just found out I'm being sent home," wrote Paul, who returned to the Clippers this season on a one-year deal.

Clippers chief Lawrence Frank later confirmed Paul's exit in a statement released to US media outlets.

"We are parting ways with Chris, and he will no longer be a part of the team," Frank said. "We will work with him on the next step of his career."

Paul has reportedly been planning to retire from the NBA at the end of this seas

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