"NullReferenceException" in Particle System's Shape Module while reference is set

Reproduction steps:

1. Open attached project "SpriteIssues.zip" and scene "BaseBattleWorld_ProperUnits"
2. In Hierarchy window, select "Enemy Warlock" -> "Troop_Enemy_Warlock" -> "Walk VFX"
3. Observe Console window
4. In Inspector window, while still selecting the same GameObject, select Particle System -> Shape -> Texture
5. Assign the same Asset - "Assets -> Prefabs -> Troops -> VFX Particle"
6. Observe Console window
7. Reopen the project
8. Repeat steps 2-3

Expected result: No error throughout any of the steps
Actual result: "NullReferenceException" and "GUI Error: You are pushing more GUIClips than you are popping. Make sure they are balanced." errors initially, and after entering-exiting play mode again

Reproducible with: 2022.2.0a4, 2022.2.0b4, 2023.1.0a6
Not reproducible with: 2021.3.8f1, 2022.1.13f1, 2022.2.0a3
Could not test with: 2020.3.38f1 (project breaks)

Reproduced on: Windows 10